Top 4 Driving Distractions

Car accidents are the most prevalent cause of personal injury claims in Florida.

As we enter into the summer months, we can expect the roads to be packed with travelers, beach goers, and tourists visiting the Sarasota and Tampa areas. With so many people sharing the roadways, it is more important than ever to stay alert and minimize distractions. While people are aware of the dangers a cell phone can pose while operating a motor vehicle, there are many other dangerous behaviors which most of us are guilty of on occasion. Here is a list of the top 4 driving distractions which you should be aware of  in order to avoid a car accident.

Most Common Driving Distractions

Experts tell us that taking your eyes off the road for only two seconds has the same effect on your ability to react as being legally drunk. That’s right, in studies reaction times of those who glanced away from traffic were the same as those who had a blood alcohol level of .08, the legal threshold for intoxicated driving. Because we understand the devastation that drunk driving has caused, we should take seriously the very real danger of engaging in these distracted behaviors, as innocent as they may seem to us.

1. Cell Phone Use: We are all well aware of the danger of texting and driving. However, we now are learning that talking on the phone – even using hands-free options – are causing just enough distraction to be dangerous. While many states, including Florida, still allow the use of handheld cell phones for voice conversations, many states are choosing to make any cell phone use while driving illegal. As the number one cause of distracted driving accidents and fatalities in recent years, you may wish to simply store your phone out of reach while driving.
2. Conversations with Passengers: Let’s face it, drivers look over to talk to their passengers. Parents often turn to speak to their children, or at least look in the rear view mirror to make eye contact. Given the distraction caused by this has been proven dangerous, what should we do? As the driver, practice speaking to your friends or family members without looking over at them. It is a bit unnatural, but as soon as everyone is used to it, it allows for eyes to remain on the road and greatly enhances the safety of everyone in the car.
3. Navigation and GPS Systems: As vehicles have evolved (along with our phones), it is easier and easier to speak to a GPS and activate your navigation. Still, habits die hard, and most drivers still use touch screens in many occasions, and will glance down at the screen often. Set your destination before you take your car out of park, and practice listening, as opposed to looking, for directions. Note: Looking for the perfect music or podcast falls into this category as well. While adjusting the radio station via dials is becoming a thing of the past, any video console activity is considered distracted driving.
4. Eating: Whether wiping the spot of ketchup off your shirt or searching the bag for the last French fry, eating while driving causes us to take our eyes off the road far too often. In fact, the NTSB has estimated that the possibility of a crash increases by 80% when the driver is eating behind the wheel. The best solution is to take 10 minutes off the road to get some food and stretch your legs; but if you must eat while driving, choose a snack not likely to drip, spill, or crumble.

If you have been the victim of a car accident caused by a distracted driver, and are looking to file a personal injury claim or personal injury lawsuit – call the Sarasota and Tampa attorneys at Probinsky & Cole. We will discuss your case and advise you as to your options under the law.