How To Reduce the Risk of Distracted Driving Accidents in Florida
If you are like most people in Florida, there is a good chance you never leave home without your smartphone. They have become a fixture in our lives. We depend on them to give directions, order a pizza and even arm our home security systems. But there are some serious drawbacks. Ask most Florida personal injury lawyers about the leading causes of car accidents and you will hear one common answer–distracted driving. There is no bigger culprit than your smartphone.
Distracted driving is the fastest growing cause of car accidents in Florida. The reasons are simple. More people now own these devices than ever before. Although it has been nearly three years since the State of Florida passed legislation banning texting and driving, a number of distracted drivers have not diminished. So what can be done? Here are some solutions:
Turn off your Smartphone: It sounds simple and logical. But try telling that to a person who depends on these devices on a constant basis. Not everybody has this problem. However, ask yourself this question. Are you the type of driver that texts or answer messages at red lights? If your answer is yes, turn your phone off. No text is worth compromising your health and well-being.
Avoid Multitasking: Cell phones aren’t the only reason for distracting driving. Try to avoid eating while driving. If you really need that cup of coffee in the morning, keep it in a cuphold rather than your hand. Before you leave the house, set up your GPS. Technology is convenient. But it can also be a hindrance.
Help from Passengers: If you are driving with another person or a group of people, let them help reduce your distractions. For example, have another person set up your GPS. Let them set up the climate control or find that radio station you enjoy. Sometimes teamwork can go a long way to keeping everyone safe.
Avoid Serious Conversations: You do not have to be anti-social to be a good driver. But if you are involved in a serious conversation, it can cause the driver to lose focus on the road. Sometimes the best policy is to make drive time a quiet time.
Minimize the use of Bluetooth and Voice Commands: Just because you have a hands-free device does not mean you are safe from distracted driving. The use of voice commands can sometimes take your mind off the road.
From Tallahassee to Miami, Florida personal injury lawyers have represented clients for just about every type of car accident. While their main objective is to represent accident victims who have been injured due to the negligence of others, they all want everyone to be safe. Whether you are a personal injury lawyer in Florida or teen driver that just earned a license, it is everybody’s responsibility to practice safe driving. It all starts with maintaining your focus on the road.
