When you get behind the wheel, it's your responsibility to focus on the road ahead
In Texas and throughout the nation, April is recognized as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. And even though the dangers of distracted driving have been known for years, far too many drivers in Laredo and Webb County do it anyway—putting others at serious risk of getting injured in car accidents.
Distracted driving is when an activity takes your attention away from the task of driving, even if it's just for a few seconds. That's why throughout the month of April, traffic safety advocates are spreading awareness about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving, as well as ways to stop it.
EndDD.org is committed to reducing wrecks caused by distracted drivers. The organization's website is full of resources on how to take action, distracted driving facts, state laws, and presentations. According to EndDD.org, distracted drivers in the United States cause approximately 3,000 deaths and 4,000 injuries every year.
Tragically, many of those injuries and deaths could have been prevented had the at-fault driver been paying attention.
Different types of distractions
Distractions are categorized into three types:
- Manual: When a driver moves their hands away from the steering wheel.
- Visual: When a driver's eyes are off the road.
- Cognitive: When a driver's mind wanders from the task of operating the motor vehicle.
Texting, which is the most dangerous type of distraction, falls under all three categories. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the entire length of a football field without looking at the road.
How to prevent distracted driving
Most drivers are aware of the hazards posed by distracted driving, but some have a false sense of security and think they can do it anyway—especially if they've done it before without consequence. Breaking a bad driving habit can be difficult, but it's important to prioritize safety and set a good example for younger passengers.
There are many smartphone apps that you can download to help fight the urge to use your phone while you're driving. Muting notifications while you drive and having an automated reply to let anyone trying to reach you know that you are driving are two other techniques that have been proven to be effective.
You can also take action if you're not behind the wheel by politely but firmly saying something if you notice your driver isn't focused on the road.
Talk to an experienced car accident lawyer
A distracted driver can cause a serious car wreck in a matter of seconds, but the injuries sustained can last a lifetime. Crash victims are often faced with costly medical bills and lost income from missed work, along with other damages. Navigating the process of obtaining compensation for your losses can be a lot to handle alone—especially when you're injured, in pain, and trying to recover. That's why you need help from an experienced car accident lawyer.
Get justice with John. Contact us today for a free consultation to find out how we can help you. Our law firm serves the legal needs of English and Spanish-speaking clients in Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and across Texas.