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Unfortunately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2019, 3,142 lives were lost in accidents involving distracted drivers. However, we can effectively reduce the fatality rate and keep our communities safe if we work together. That’s why, in honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month 2021, our lawyers at Biren Law Group have curated 5 safe driving tips that every driver can follow to help prevent distracted driving.
5 Simple Distracted Driving Prevention Tips
- Don’t Text and Drive
Texting and driving is illegal in the contiguous 48 states, yet many drivers have no qualms about doing it. Teens may be the most at-risk demographic for texting while driving, but the Pew Research Center reported that all age demographics take the risk of texting while driving — thus, older generations may pass this risky habit down to younger ones. If you are having trouble refraining from texting and driving, silence your phone and store it in the glove box or a bag in the backseat. This way, you will not be tempted to check it if you hear a notification.
- Avoid Using Your Phone, Even in Hands-Free Mode
Cell phone use is dangerous beyond texting and driving, which is why using a handheld cell phone for any reason is prohibited by California law. While drivers over 18 years old are permitted to use their phones in hands-free mode, such as with a bluetooth device, doing so is ill-advised. Frankly, hands-free cell phone use still takes your attention away from the road, regardless of whether you are sending a voice message or making a hands-free phone call.
- Take Time to Clear Your Head
Personal life problems can follow you into the driver’s seat and render you inattentive. Try to take a few breaths to clear your head before you drive, or if you find your mind too preoccupied, ask a friend or family member for a ride, take a rideshare, or delay your drive altogether.
- Don’t Multitask — Wait Until You Arrive at Your Destination
It may seem convenient to eat, groom, or put makeup on while driving, but the convenience factor is greatly overshadowed by the danger of multitasking behind the wheel. Wait until you get to your destination to take care of these tasks. It is far better to be late than injured in an accident.
- Pull Over if You Find Yourself Distracted
Within the same vein, if you find yourself distracted in any capacity, safely pull over to deal with the distraction. A good example of this is when a navigation app or GPS is giving you trouble, as pulling over lets you sort out the problem without any risk of injury. Or if you should find yourself distracted by stress, you can pull over and take a short walk to clear your head.
About Biren Law Group
At Biren Law Group, our Los Angeles attorney team fully recognizes the importance of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, as we regularly advocate for individuals injured by distracted drivers in the civil justice system. We are a family-run law firm, and we treat each of our clients as if they were a part of our family — this unique approach has proven effective for more than 40 years. Due to this high level of care and our exemplary legal prowess, we have recovered more than $500 million for our clients.
Contact a Los Angeles lawyer online today for a free consultation. We can also be reached at (310) 896-4345.