How to Avoid Distractions While Driving

by | Sep 3, 2019

Vehicles contain many distractions that can inhibit our ability to drive safely. In addition to distracting devices, our own behaviors distract and endanger us, including eating, drinking, finding directions, managing children and pets in the car, and more. Learn about the top distractions present in a car and how to avoid them.

Most Common Causes of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving involves anything that takes your attention away from driving. The following are some of the most common distractions while driving:

  • Texting or talking on the phone, including hands-free
  • Using a navigation system
  • Changing the radio station
  • Eating or drinking
  • Performing personal grooming
  • Having a conversation with a passenger
  • Managing children or pets

Avoiding Distractions in the Car

In order to combat distracted driving, many states have enacted laws that ban cell phone use while driving. As of March 2019, 16 states and the District of Columbia have banned drivers from hand-held cell phone use. Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia have banned texting while driving.

Aside from putting aside distracting devices, practicing the following safety guidelines can help reduce the likelihood of getting into a distracted driving accident:

  • Set up the directions on your device before starting the car or have a passenger read the directions to you aloud.
  • Pull over or stop at a restaurant to eat a meal rather than eating and drinking while driving.
  • Perform personal grooming before or after getting into your vehicle rather than during your trip.
  • Ask passengers to keep their voices at a low volume.
  • Keep children and pets secure in the car by ensuring children are safely buckled and pets are in proper carriers.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, our Washington D.C. attorneys are here to help. Our team can investigate all circumstances related to the accident, secure supporting evidence, and create a customized plan that establishes negligence and liability.

Contact Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. at (202) 659-8600 to learn how we can assist you.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This