April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Each year, thousands of people die in crashes caused by distracted drivers. April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, making now the perfect time to avoid distractions and keep your focus on the road. It’s impossible to drive safely without giving the task your full attention. Distracted drivers put their own lives at risk while jeopardizing the safety of everyone around them. Following a few basic tips can help keep you safe behind the wheel.

Keep Your Phone Out of Reach

Distracted driving has been an issue for the entire history of the automobile. The issue became even more serious with the invention of the smartphone. Our phones are constantly pinging and buzzing for our attention. If you can’t resist the urge to check your phone while driving, keep it out of reach on your drive. If you need to use your phone, pull over somewhere safe and take care of business before hitting the road again.

Properly Restrain Kids, Pets

Passengers can be just as distracting as cell phones. If you’re traveling with kids or pets in the car, make sure they are properly restrained before you begin driving. While Fido might seem up for a casual drive, you never know what might trigger misbehavior. Kids, of course, need to be buckled up for safety. With everyone strapped in accordingly, you’ll be less likely to be distracted on the road.

Plan Your Route Ahead of Time

Once upon a time, we printed out driving directions from MapQuest and consulted them thoroughly before driving to a new destination. Now, we’re more likely to plug an address into our phones and follow along in real-time. While there’s no denying the convenience of such apps, they can be incredibly distracting. Last-minute turns and unexpected lane changes can cause drivers to make poor choices on the road. Skip this improvisational approach to driving and read through the directions before putting your car into drive. A little foresight can go a long way to prevent accidents.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving poses a serious risk to the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can have catastrophic consequences, leading to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Texting, eating, adjusting the radio, and other distractions can cause drivers to lose focus and react slower, making it harder to avoid potential hazards on the road. If you find yourself involved in a crash caused by a distracted driver, don’t wait to take action. Contact the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe for guidance on your legal right to compensation.