Distracted driving kills thousands of people each year. While the most common form of distracted driving often involves texting or being on a cell phone, there are many other types of distracted driving that can be just as dangerous. There are four types of distracted driving: visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive. Losing focus and taking your eyes off the road dramatically increases your risk of having an accident. Having a reputable car accident attorney in Detroit is a must if you are involved in a crash that was caused by distracted driving.
Playing With the Radio
Flipping through the stations on the radio or putting in a new CD may only take a second but it only takes a second to take a life. Even when the controls are on the steering wheel, taking your eyes off the road for a split second is all it takes for a situation to get out of control. Set your radio to the station you want to listen to before you get on the road. If you want to change the station, wait until you find a safe place to stop before you start messing with the radio. Don’t let your music distract you.
Talking to Passengers
One of the most dangerous distractions for young people is talking to their passengers. Even mothers or fathers with small children can lose their focus on the road if their kids start acting up or making a fuss. New drivers may find it hard to multitask when they first start driving. Learning how to listen to their passengers and still keep their focus on the road is a learned skill. If you are riding with a young driver, respect their need to stay focused and keep conversations to a minimum.
Programming Your GPS
Your GPS is a great tool for helping you find the way to your destination. It’s important to program your GPS before you start driving. If you need to change destinations while you are on the road, don’t try to set your GPS while you are moving. It can be a major distraction trying to find the letters you need and trying to keep your eyes on the road at the same time. Pull over, program your GPS, and resume driving.
Watching Other Vehicles
You will see a lot of strange things while you are driving. Watching other vehicles or trying to look at an accident while you are passing are two distractions that are easy to avoid if you concentrate on trying to focus on the road. You must always be aware of your surroundings and know where other drivers are so that you can avoid an accident. Quickly glancing at your mirrors and around your vehicle is needed to maintain a safe space. Try to keep your eyes moving so you don’t get distracted.
Reading Signs
You need to read signs to know where you are going. A quick glance will keep you going in the right direction. Billboards, on the other hand, can be quite colorful and will distract you while you are driving. Avoid trying to read large signs or watch signs that are animated. Keep your eyes on the road and glance at signs that will provide much-needed information. If you are driving and have an accident that was caused by a distraction, you need to hire an attorney who can fight for your rights. You may not be negligent, but if the accident was your fault you may be liable for the other party’s personal injuries and property damage. Be aware and always be mindful of what is going on around you. Distracted driving is dangerous!
