It is well-documented just how dangerous engaging in distracted driving behaviors can be. This has led to massive numbers of safety campaigns in order to warn the public of these hazards. Through the efforts of law enforcement and traffic safety officials, the goal is to make the general public more aware of how important it is to keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your attention to the task of driving to prevent car accidents and injuries.
In addition to automobile drivers and their passengers, distracted driving jeopardizes motorcyclists, bicyclists, public transit riders, and pedestrians as well. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we urge you to be aware of the potential dangers and to practice the following safety tips.
National Distracted Driving Awareness
Drivers who engage in distracted driving behaviors are often aware that what they are doing can end up in a serious crash, yet they still continue to do it. Surveys reveal that as many as 40 percent of drivers admit to talking on cell phones or texting regularly while behind the wheel. Other types of distracted driving behaviors include:
- Taking photos or videos while driving
- Using electronic devices to post on social media or to check emails
- Adjusting GPS settings or switching car stereo stations
- Eating fast food or drinking coffee and other beverages
- Reaching for items on floorboards, in the glove department, or in the backseat
- Talking to other passengers in the vehicle
- Adjusting your appearance, such as combing hair or touching up makeup in the rear-view mirror
Tips to Prevent Distracted Driving Accidents
Anything that takes your attention from the task of driving for even a few seconds decreases your response and reaction times, making car accidents more likely to occur. Five seconds is the average amount of time drivers are diverted by a single distraction. When driving at 55 miles per hour, this is akin to driving the entire length of a football field blindfolded.
Drivers are encouraged to follow these safety tips to prevent distracted driving accidents from occurring:
- Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel at all times
- Pay attention to the road in front of you, and be alert to changes in traffic, weather, or road conditions
- Rather than eating or drinking while driving, eat before you hit the road or dine in restaurants rather than getting to-go orders
- Keep your cell phone turned off and avoid the temptation to check messages when stopped at a traffic signal
The National Safety Council has numerous resources to share to help educate the public. This includes driver safety videos, infographics, and memes for posting on social media, along with a distracted driving pledge which can be printed to share with friends and family members.
Contact Us Today for Help
If you have been injured in a crash caused by a driver who was texting and driving or some other distracted driving behavior, contact a Virginia car accident attorney to find out what legal recourse you may have. The legal team from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has been advocating for injured clients since 1985 and will do all we can to ensure you receive the best possible outcome under the circumstances of your case. If you would like to meet with one of our skilled Virginia car accident attorneys to find out how we can help, call our office today for a free case evaluation.