Unfortunately, the number of people using their phones while driving is increasing, not decreasing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation, attributed over 3,000 deaths to distracted driving in 2020 alone. The best way to stay focused on the road ahead is to ignore your phone completely, but even well-intentioned drivers might have habits that are hard to break. Hearing the ‘ding’ of a text message instinctually causes many Americans to look towards their device and away from their surroundings, even while driving. Today, we will discuss a few ways to stay focused to guarantee safe driving habits.
Florida Driving Laws
Florida law states that drivers can be on a phone call while operating their vehicle. However, they must utilize a hands-free method to make the call to guarantee safe driving; both hands must be on the wheel. These laws have helped reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers, but they have not eliminated them.
These laws shed light on the best way to use a phone if it is absolutely necessary – hands-free. Many devices nowadays come standard with accessibility options and applications that make hands-free calls and responses possible, even if abstaining from your phone is the gold standard for safety.
iPhone Users
iPhones have a built-in mode called ‘Driving Focus.’ This mode, which can conveniently turn on anytime your phone enters and connects to your car, limits or silences notifications and provides a response to others, letting them know you are currently busy driving. Other options allow the ability for your phone to read aloud your messages and for you to dictate a response without taking your hands off the wheel. This is helpful for times when you need directions or information but should not risk using your phone.
Android Users
Android has a similar function called ‘Android Auto’, which allows you to respond to calls, listen to messages, change music, or search for directions, all through your voice. With this option, you can connect to your car’s display, providing a way to glance at information without taking your eyes off the road. This app is built-in on newer Android devices, so every user has no excuse to start utilizing it and its features.
Do Not Disturb Mode
Most phones and devices, regardless of model, have a Do Not Disturb mode that eliminates any notifications and distractions. This mode essentially turns off your phone to the outside world, ensuring your focus can stay solely on the road during your travels. If you still find yourself glancing at your phone while utilizing the hands-free options, changing to Do Not Disturb and waiting until you reach your destination might be the best way to keep you and others around you safe.
Distracted Driver Accidents
The unfortunate truth is that you alone can not prevent a car accident, even if you follow the rules and don’t allow your phone to distract you. You are at the mercy of other drivers, and in a perfect world, every driver would implement these phone options to ensure everyone arrives home safely. Most people who consider themselves safe drivers still glance at their phones every once in a while, despite the fact that a 5-second glance at highway speeds is enough time for the car to travel over 500 feet with a distracted driver behind the wheel.
If you have been injured in a car crash and the other driver is guilty of distracted driving, call the expert attorneys at Probinsky & Cole. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
