Staying focused while driving is essential. Yet, it can also be challenging, as the world is a distracting place. Despite years of public service announcements warning motorists of the dangers of distracted driving and the potential imposition of penalties, most drivers still engage in this dangerous driving behavior.
The results speak for themselves. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show that distracted driving resulted in 2,800 deaths and 400,000 injuries during 2018.
Preparation reduces the need for drivers to multitask
Many driving distractions are the result of people jumping into their vehicles without planning. Here are some things to consider to ensure that this doesn’t happen to you:
- Set up your car before taking off: If you share the car with someone else, you may need to adjust the seat, steering wheel and mirrors each time you get in the car after they have driven.
- Check your route and destination before leaving: It does not matter whether you look at a road atlas or a GPS screen. They all take your attention away from driving. Planning your route before you head out reduces your need to find directions on the move. Knowing how long your journey is set to take also minimizes the chance of you speeding because you are late.
- Eat and drink before setting off: Busy schedules mean many of us now eat some meals on the go. Yet, as convenient as a coffee to go or breakfast bagel may seem, they require you to take your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road. Making mealtimes a sit-down affair can avoid this.
Making these changes can help you avoid causing a collision. Yet, the roads will still be full of other drivers who are distracted and could crash into you. Claiming compensation will be essential to cover the high medical costs that may result from a distracted driving accident.