According to recent studies from Virginia Tech and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving now plays a part in 80 percent of all car accidents and contributes to about 5,500 auto fatalities a year.
The NHTSA offers several tips to make the road safer, less stressful and more enjoyable. All you need is a little preparation before you set out.
Choose your music, set the temperature to a comfortable level and make any other control adjustments that you need to make before embarking. If any of these needs to be changed later on, pull over to the side of the road or wait until you’re stationary.
Before leaving, check your phone messages and make any necessary calls. Even if you use a hands-free unit, the safest approach is to avoid using the phone while driving. Never use a phone while in heavy traffic, inclement weather or other dangerous road conditions.
Program your GPS device before you leave, if you use one. Review the route to familiarize yourself so that you don’t have to look at it as often. Allow enough time to make the trip without having to rush.
Never travel with unrestrained pets in the vehicle. An excited animal can be a dangerous distraction and can also interfere with your control of the vehicle.
Take car of personal grooming before you leave, or wait until you arrive.
As a Spartanburg car accident lawyer , I know that distracted driving incidents are on the rise, with texting-while-driving being a major contributor to recent crashes. I hope that by providing this information, drivers are able to stay safer on the road. If you’ve been injured in an accident that you believe was caused by the distracted driving of another, call a car accident lawyer in your area to learn about the legal options open to you.