Distracted Driving Awareness

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month! Distracted driving is a risk to everyone on the road and can cause deadly consequences.

Burnetti, P.A. feels so strongly about the dangers of distracted driving that we created a campaign to help spread awareness and stop distracted drivers.

Distracted driving is engaging in any other activity, other than focuses on driving. One of the top causes of distracted driving is phone use. According to the National Safety Council, phone use is estimated to cause over 27 percent of car accidents. Texting is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do behind the wheel because it involves manual, visual, and cognitive distractions. Manual distractions are when drivers move their hands away from the steering wheel to perform another task. Visual distractions are when drivers look at something else other than the road. Cognitive distractions are when drivers are thinking about something other than driving.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month! Distracted driving is a risk to everyone on the road and can cause deadly consequences.

Burnetti, P.A. feels so strongly about the dangers of distracted driving that we created a campaign to help spread awareness and stop distracted drivers.

Distracted driving is engaging in any other activity, other than focuses on driving. One of the top causes of distracted driving is phone use. According to the National Safety Council, phone use is estimated to cause over 27 percent of car accidents. Texting is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do behind the wheel because it involves manual, visual, and cognitive distractions. Manual distractions are when drivers move their hands away from the steering wheel to perform another task. Visual distractions are when drivers look at something else other than the road. Cognitive distractions are when drivers are thinking about something other than driving.

The top ten causes of driver distraction are:

1. Posting to social media
2. Texting
3. Talking on the phone
4. Adjusting the radio
5. Eating in the car
6. Putting on makeup
7. Looking at a GPS
8. Being lost in thought
9. Passengers in the car
10. Reaching for items in the car

Frustration and fatigue can also play a role in driver distraction and can increase the risk of being in an accident.

Distracted driving is a serious problem. Studies show that mobile phone use while driving can increase the likelihood of being in a car crash four times compared to drivers who do not use their phones while driving.

Here are some ways to help you stay focused on the road and drive safer:

• Only use your phone for emergency situations
• Limit the number of passengers inside your vehicle
• Download an app to block your phone from receiving calls or text messages while you are driving
• Avoid eating while you are behind the wheel
• Make adjustments to the radio, GPS, or mirrors before you begin your trip
• Focus on the task at hand

Do not be a distracted driver that is more focused on other things than driving safely.

If a driver was more focused on texting or a phone call and caused you injury and pain, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover your medical bills and lost wages. Burnetti, P.A. car accident attorneys know the pain and suffering a distracted driver can cause. For a free case review, call (888) 444-8508 or initiate a chat with our online operator.