When you are behind the wheel, paying attention to the task at hand is essential to remaining safe. Anything that takes your eyes off the asphalt ahead can be considered a distraction, and these crucial seconds can end in disaster. Distracted driving is the number one cause of crashes, overtaking drunk driving and speeding in recent years. Therefore, it is crucial to note these three common distractions and do what you can to avoid them.
1. Smartphones
The rise in distracted-driving accidents is mostly attributed to the use of cellphones. Smartphones are travel-size computers that people have become reliant on for just about everything. Thus, having one in the car is quite common practice these days. The biggest issue as an accident lawyer Baltimore MD can tell you is the temptation to interact with the phone while driving is great. Checking emails, sending texts and posting to social media while in control of a car may end in a crash.
2. Eating
A common practice among drivers is grabbing a bite to eat while on the road. It saves time, and drive-thru food is typically cheaper than traditional restaurants. Eating while driving is considered a distraction. Think about all the times you attempted to eat that burger or dip nuggets, all from behind the wheel. The better choice is to stop and dine-in. Not only do you eliminate eating as an impediment to driving, but you can give yourself a break from the car.
3. Other People or Pets in the Vehicle
Believe it or not, just having passengers in your vehicle is enough to divert your attention from behind the wheel. Engaging in conversations not only causes you to look away from the road, but it can also take your concentration away as well. If there is a disturbance in your car, like an unruly child or intoxicated adult, it can increase the chances that your attention will veer away from driving.
Distracted driving can come in many forms. Do your best to eliminate those things that divert your attention so you can remain safer on the road.
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