Accidents happen every day due to distracted driving. Driving requires focus and is not something to be taken lightly. Both drivers and passengers have responsibilities while in a moving vehicle to keep themselves safe.
Unnecessary distractions take a driver’s attention off the road, causing them to potentially lose control of their vehicle and crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 3,000 people were killed due to distracted driving in 2012, and an estimated 421,000 were injured.
In order to prevent death and injury due to a distracted driving car accident, there are certain things you should not do while behind the wheel of a vehicle.
These activities include:
Using Headphones
When in a moving vehicle, the use of headphones is not recommended. Headphones are the better alternative when taking a phone call in lieu of Bluetooth, but when it comes to listening to music, they should not be used.
Headphones distract you by making you less aware of what’s happening around you, and can reduce your reaction time.
Eating a Full Meal
If you are feeling hungry, you are better off pulling over or stopping at a restaurant to eat. When you are driving, it is important to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Eating distracts you from doing that.
Dropping food and reaching for it can be incredibly dangerous. Taking your eyes off the road for even a second can lead to an accident. That is why eating full meals behind the wheel is not recommended.
Packing Your Car with Unnecessary Items
Treating your car like a storage facility is not a good idea. A packed car can lead to visibility problems and blind spots. Sudden stops or swerves can cause objects to come loose and potentially injure you or someone else in the car.
Personal Grooming
Doing your makeup, combing your hair, or shaving in your car is a bad idea, even if you are at a red light. Doing anything other than driving puts you at risk for an accident because it doubles the time it takes for you to stop your vehicle.
When you practice personal grooming in your car, you may notice that you tend to adjust the mirror to focus on you instead of the traffic behind you. This can be very dangerous and lead to delayed reaction times.
Arguing
It is better to hold off arguing with someone until you safely arrive at your destination. Not only does arguing while driving put you at risk for an accident, the stress of arguing can be very damaging to your health later. Whether with a passenger or on a Bluetooth connected phone, arguments should be avoided while driving.
It is important to practice safe driving habits in order to prevent an accident from taking place.
Allegheny County Car Accident Lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. Represent Victims Injured in Accidents Due to Distracted Drivers
If you or someone you know were the victim in a distracted driving accident, the process of getting compensation for your injuries can be overwhelming. Allegheny County car accident lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. are here to help you get the compensation and peace of mind you are looking for. Our experienced lawyers represent victims injured in all kinds of accidents. For a free consultation, contact us online or call 412-765-1888. Located in Pittsburgh, we proudly represent clients throughout Western Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County, Lawrence County, and Washington County.