Accidents and injuries caused by texting and driving are completely preventable. In Florida, texting while driving is a citable offense.
Florida crash reports now enable officers to not only report more specific driver distraction data, but also with greater ease, by merely checking one of the following categories: distracted by electronic communication devices (cell phone, etc.), other electronic devices (navigation device, DVD player), other distraction inside the vehicle, external distraction (outside the vehicle), texting, or general inattentiveness.
The facts are clear that texting and driving is more dangerous than drinking and driving. That’s why, when you are injured by a driver who was texting or using a cell phone, hiring a Jacksonville auto accident attorney to help you seek justice may be the only way to make the driver face the consequences of that irresponsible decision.
Common Types of Distracted Driving
It’s easy to believe that distracted driving pertains only to cell phone use, however, nothing could be further from the truth.
Here are the three main types of distracted driving:
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road
- Manual: taking your hands off the steering wheel
- Cognitive: taking your mind off the task at hand
Distracted driving takes on many forms, including but not limited to:
- Smoking
- Eating and drinking
- Conversing with passengers
- Reaching for objects
- Turning around to discipline children
You get the point. If you’re not careful, you could easily find yourself distracted. And when that happens, the risk of an accident is much greater.
How to Avoid Distractions
You know distractions exist, but that doesn’t mean you know what it takes to avoid them.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent distractions from putting you at risk of an accident. Do the following:
- Turn off your cell phone: This may be foreign to you, but it’s the best way to avoid this common distraction. When your phone is off, you don’t have to worry about a phone call or text taking your attention away from the road. There are also apps that disable your phone while you’re driving. These allow you to keep your phone on, but you won’t be able to use it for anything that could take your attention from the road.
- Let your passengers know you’re concentrating: It’s okay to engage in small talk while driving as long as it doesn’t take your attention away from the road. However, if it goes beyond that, you should inform your passengers that you’re not comfortable engaging in deep discussion while driving.
- Get set before you hit the road: This includes steps such as setting your radio, adjusting your climate control system, and making sure your children are strapped in their seats. If you do these things up front, you won’t be tempted to focus on them while you’re driving.
It’s these types of basic steps that can help you avoid distractions while driving.
What to do if You Spot a Distracted Driver
While you’re paying attention to the road and those around you, you may find that another driver isn’t doing the same. For instance, it’s common to spot someone who is texting or talking on the phone.
Should you spot a distracted driver, here’s what you should do:
- Maintain a safe distance: The more space between your vehicles, the safer you are.
- Don’t engage: Don’t yell, beep your horn, or attempt to get the person’s attention in any manner. Not only could it startle them, but they may become aggressive.
- Call 911: This is the last resort, but it may be necessary depending on the circumstances. A common example is if you see a distracted driver strike a parked car and leave the scene.
If a distracted driver causes an accident, move to safety and call 911. Again, this isn’t the right time to confront them about their negligence. You’ll have time in the future to take action by seeking compensation for your damages.
Awareness and Action are Needed
Distracted driving is more common than the flu. Who can say they haven’t done it?
Distracted drivers depend on luck to stay alive, and their luck won’t last forever. There’s only one job behind the wheel. Careful drivers focus just on that job. It’s easier than you might think to make changes that put the total focus on driving that will help each of us arrive alive and make the roadways safer for everyone.
We are committed to educating drivers about the risks of distracted driving. Through theTerrell • Hogan Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign we offer two free educational presentations for both adults (for the Workforce) and high school students (End Distracted Driving).
And of course, if you’re injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, don’t hesitate to contact our law firm online or via phone at (904) 722-2228. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through the process of obtaining compensation for your injuries and other damages.
