Driving while multitasking can be extremely dangerous especially if you’re navigating an unfamiliar route or driving through a big city. Driving requires almost all the brain participation to focus on the road. However, most drivers don’t know the risks involved when driving while texting or talking on the phone. Some even go to the extent of eating or applying makeup while in control of their motor vehicle.
The Hazards of Distracted Driving
Out on the road, your brain has to process a lot of visual information, coordinate the movement of your hands and feet, and at the same time, watch out on other careless drivers. Therefore, a single distraction like texting can put your life on the line.
According to some of the statistics, 15% of all fatal road accidents happen as a result of distracted driving. No wonder it is becoming risky to travel on our roads…with the increasing number of young drivers who have a strong urge to multitasking and driving aggressively.
Dangers of Using Cellphone While Driving
Cellphone use while driving has naturally increased; causing approximately 2,600 deaths and 300,000 injuries in the United States alone each year. While some may argue that hands-free cell phones are safe, studies have shown that the drivers are looking but are not seeing because they become so engaged in the ongoing conversation forgetting to concentrate on the task at hand.
Safe Driving for Teens
Learning to drive and getting a driver’s license is a dream come true for many teenagers but for many parents, it can be a real pain! The greatest incidences of accidents occur more frequently among teen drivers than in any other group. Most of these accidents and fatalities are caused by lack of experience, peer influence, inattentiveness, and risk-taking. It is heart-breaking that Florida is among the leading states in teen traffic deaths.
Self Responsibility
By exercising safety precautions when behind the wheel, drivers can reduce the number of car accidents. Not only will you be saving your life but also the lives of other drivers and passengers. It’s a no-brainer, as a rule of thumb drivers should refrain from using their phones entirely. If you have to answer a call or send a text, you should pull over on the side of the road or into a parking lot.
Also, we should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, holding onto something other than the steering wheel, looking for something while behind the wheel, reading something or daydreaming and not concentrating on driving.
Motorists should exercise common sense to avoid vehicle crashes which are among the leading cause of death for Americans aged 35 years and below. On the other hand, emphasis should be laid on educating the young drivers on road traffic safety.
The current laws can only be effective if they prevent and punish reckless driving. Charges and penalties should outweigh the potential benefits for those who break them. If you or a family member has suffered an injury or damage, make sure you contact an experienced accident injury attorney.