The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. Eleven teens die each day as a result of texting and driving in the United States. Take a look at the different types of distractions and tips to avoid them.
First, let’s look at the three main types of driving distractions:
Manual (something that requires you to remove your hands from the steering wheel):
- Eating and drinking
- Texting
- Smoking
- Searching for something
- Changing the radio, temperature, etc.
- Tending to small children
Visual (something that requires you to take your eyes off the road)
- Texting, Dialing or Reading a Device
- Checking a GPS
- Taking in the view
- Looking for street numbers, locations, etc.
Cognitive (something that causes your mind to drift)
- Talking to another passenger or on the phone
- Alcohol or drug ususage
- Road rage
Regardless of how experienced a driver you are, the more you become distracted while driving, the higherr your risk of getting into a car accident.
To avoid an accident, follow these tips:
Tip 1: Pull over when you are lost. Read directions and adjust your GPS while safely stopped.
Tip 2: Keep your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode or silenced and put away.
Tip 3: Only get behind the wheel when you are thinking clearly, are fully awake, and have your emotions under control.
Georgia Law: If you operate a vehicle while texting, you can add 1 point to your record. O.C.G.A. 40-5-57.
This includes even talking on the phone. O.C.G.A. 40-6-241.2.
Distractions cause accidents. If you or a loved one has recently been involved in an automobile accident, please contact AJ Law Practice.
