Just Drive: Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the number-one cause of car crashes in the United States. The NHTSA estimates that more than 3,300 fatalities occurred from distracted driving in 2023. For this reason, the National Safety Council designates April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This year’s awareness campaign is “Just Drive,” a reminder to all drivers to reflect on their driving habits and eliminate distractions, reminding us of the importance of safety and responsibility behind the wheel.

Distracted driving encompasses a range of activities that divert a driver’s attention away from the road. These can significantly impair driving ability, leading to potentially fatal accidents. Understanding and avoiding these common distractions is crucial for the safety of all road users.

The Most Common Forms of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving takes many forms, but among the most common are:

• Mobile Phone Use: This includes texting, calling, or using social media. Even checking a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s the length of a football field.
• Eating and Drinking: While it might seem like a time-saver, eating or drinking while driving divides your focus and can lead to spills that cause further distraction.
• Using Navigation Systems: Setting up a GPS route while driving can lead you to focus on the screen rather than the road ahead. It’s the same concept as taking your eyes off the road to check texts.
• Adjusting Music or Climate Controls: Fiddling with the radio or air conditioning takes your hands off the wheel and your attention away from driving.

Tips for Avoiding These Pitfalls

Almost all distracted driving is preventable. To stay safer on the roads, do the following:

• Prepare Before You Go: Set your GPS route, adjust your seat and mirrors, and choose your playlist before driving. (Better yet, skip the playlist altogether.)
• Use Hands-free Devices: If you must take a call, use a hands-free device. However, remember that even hands-free conversations can divert your attention from what’s happening on the road.
• Designate a Co-pilot: If you’re driving with someone, let them handle the navigation, music, and any messages or calls.
• Take Breaks on Long Trips: If you need to eat or drink, take a break and pull over. It’s a good opportunity to rest and recharge for the journey ahead.

Remember, your only job is to Just Drive when you’re behind the wheel. Distracted driving is not just a bad habit; it’s a form of negligence that puts everyone on the road at risk. If you or a loved one have been in an injury accident due to someone else’s distracted driving, our personal injury attorneys can help you receive the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and other losses. Call our offices for an appointment.