Multitasking in the car may seem essential for people constantly on the move. However, some things can wait — the consequences of texting while driving can be devastating. Sending or reading a text message while driving takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. If you were driving at a speed of 55 miles per hour, your car would travel the length of an entire football field. Driving is not an activity you can take your attention away from —so how can you keep yourself and others from picking up the phone?
Five Tips for Safe Driving
Today, our connection to others is a tap away. Phone calls, text messages, emails and more beg for our attention as we go about our day. These notifications make texting while driving just as tempting as it is dangerous. Our attorneys have compiled our favorite tips for keeping yourself and others safe while you are on the road.
Know your phone.
A simple way to avoid distracted driving is to limit your phone notifications. This can be done in a few different ways depending on your preferences and device. On one hand, you can simply turn your phone on silent or place it on Do Not Disturb mode. On the other, you can download a driving safety app, such as Cell Control, that will lock many communication features on your phone while you drive.
Keep it out of sight.
As the old saying goes: out of sight, out of mind. Keeping your phone out of reach is the easiest way to avoid texting while driving. This could mean putting your phone on another seat facedown or putting it in the glovebox until you arrive at your destination.
Use your passengers.
Many people pull their phone out for quick, practical purposes, only to be distracted by other apps and messages. Whether you want to get directions, change the song or respond to a message, you can turn to the passengers in your car. The next time you drive someone else, ask them to help you rather than doing something that could distract you from the road.
Stay to the side.
If you choose to keep your notifications on while driving, keep calls and texts limited until you pull over. Whether you choose the side of the road or a parking lot, always pull over for important calls and messages that cannot wait until the end of your trip.
Lead by example.
These tips do not need to be limited to only you — you can also lead by example. If you let your friends and family know about your habits, they may begin to model your behavior. Take the time to encourage your loved ones to pick up these safety precautions and point out moments when they are being unsafe on the road.
The Road Ahead
Laws may not change driving habits, but these tips can help you make it to your destination safely. Attorneys at Casey Devoti Brockland have seen the dangers of texting while driving firsthand, having represented many families torn apart by car accidents. If you or a loved one has been impacted by distracted driving, contact our car crash attorneys to start your case.
