The Seven Deadly Sins of Distracted Driving
The most common cause of auto accidents around the world is driver inattention. In fact, it is estimated that around 400,000 people are injured every year in distracted driving incidents. There are so many things happening that surround us and can distract us at any given moment.
It is important to stay focused on operating a vehicle when you are the one behind the wheel. At The Schafer Law Office, we have seen all different kind of accidents that can be attributed to driver inattention. So, we have decided to make a list of “the seven deadly sins of distracted driving”. The list includes:
- Texting. Texting and driving is perhaps the most widespread and dangerous form of distracted driving. Texting while driving requires the driver to look away from the road which, in turn, renders them completely oblivious to their surroundings.
- Changing Music. Whether it’s messing with the radio or changing songs on your phone that is connected via auxiliary or Bluetooth, changing music takes a drivers attention away from the road.
- Passenger Distraction. While having friends is a great and all, a driver must not let the passengers in the vehicle distract them from scanning the roadway for possible dangerous situations. Never turn to look at a passenger in the backseat. Always remain facing forward when operating a vehicle.
- Talking on the Phone. Some may argue that talking on the phone while driving isn’t dangerous because it doesn’t require you to look away from what’s ahead on the roadway. But, talking on the phone does require you to remove one hand from the wheel.
- Eating or Drinking. Certain people don’t carve time out of their busy lives to sit down and have a meal. Many people resort to eating their meals on the go. Eating and drinking in the car, most of the time, requires looking away from the road or there is a risk of making a mess all over the car.
- Rubbernecking. Fighting off curiosity when driving past an incident on the roadway will ensure that your attention is kept on the road.
- Daydreaming. This may be the #1 cause of distracted driving incidents. When something is on a person’s mind, it is hard to keep from spiraling into deep thought.
The Schafer Law Office’s Take
A driver keeping themselves from being distracted in one way or another is difficult and also a task that shouldn’t be taken lightly. That is why we suggest removing any possible distraction while behind the wheel. Keeping your cell phone face down in the passenger seat is a great start, but you must also resist the urge to pick it up. At The Schafer Law Office, we know that these distractions can be hard to ignore but, if you remain focused on devoting all of your attention on the road you are taking a large step toward becoming a safe and attentive driver.