6 Ways to Avoid Distracted Driving

Distracted Driving in the United States

In 2015, the NHTSA published a report indicating that in 2010, distracted driving caused 3,267 fatalities and 735,000 nonfatal injuries, and damaged 3.3 million vehicles.

The NHTSA tracks these statistics because most, if not all, of these accidents could have been avoided.

In an effort to do our part to reduce these car accidents, we’ve compiled a basic list to help drivers avoid distracted driving.

1. Limit use of your cell phone while driving

Every single cell phone-related accident is avoidable. First, do your best to avoid using your cell phone at all while driving.

Obviously, this isn’t always possible. Try to limit use to tasks you can do with one finger while keeping your eyes on the road.

A car mount for your phone can easily help you avoid excessive use and keep to the one-finger, eyes-on-the-road rule.

2. If you might need directions, get them before you begin driving

It can be very dangerous to manage navigation while driving. Whether you are using a map, a GPS device, or your cell phone, get everything set up and organized beforehand.

If you do not have a map app or other device, print out easy-to-read driving instructions from a service like Google Maps before starting your journey.

If you’re using your phone or another device, get the exact address beforehand and enter it into the device. Making stops along the way? Most apps allow you to program these in.

Often, even if you do not need directions, these applications can warn you of hazards or traffic ahead and help you reach your destination safely.

3. Do not eat while driving

Even if you keep your eyes on the road while doing so, eating while driving can be very dangerous. Eating tends to occupy at least one of your hands and can lead to slower reaction times.

Often, eating while driving can lead to a situation in which the driver needs to choose between using both hands (and dropping their food) and inadequately responding to a potential collision.

Given that such indecision, even if brief, can lead to an otherwise avoidable accident, we recommend not eating while driving. If you must eat while driving, eat something that can be consumed one by one (e.g., trail mix or chips).

4. Avoid unnecessary distractions in the car

Don’t multitask. Have a phone call that can wait? Take it after you stop. Playing music on your phone? Set playlists instead of choosing songs one by one. If your car has auto-climate features, they can save you a few turns of the knob while driving. Additionally, be sure to set your mirrors and seat position before your trip.

5. Keep pets in crates

Even though your dog looks adorable hanging his head out the window, it is very unsafe to have pets loose in the car.

Keeping your pets in a crate while driving is safer because they can behave unpredictably and cause undue distraction.

Crating your pets while driving is also safer for them, and your drool-covered windows will thank you.

6. Don’t drive drowsy or inebriated

Driving drowsy or intoxicated can make it much more difficult to keep your attention on the road. If you become tired while driving, it may be best to take a short break.

Many Walmart locations will allow you to stay in the parking lot through the night. Take advantage of this if you feel drowsy.

Uplift Legal Funding

Uplift provides pre-settlement funding for most personal injury cases. If you need funding, give us a call anytime at (800) 385-3660 or apply online to get approved for auto accident loans as soon as today.