Don’t Be Distracted
“Distracted Driver Awareness Week” was held this month in an effort to educate motorists on safe driving. According to a report by the National Highway Safety Administration, about 80% of accidents are caused by driver inattention. The report also said that about 65% of all near-crashes involved some sort of driver inattention.
Did You Know?
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98% of Americans claim to be safe drivers
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72% of all drivers admit to partaking in some form of distracting behavior while driving
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The most common “distracting behaviors” include: cell phone use, eating, drinking, changing the music in the car
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We spent time researching the topic of driver inattention and cell phone use while driving. We did find a number of organizations, politicians and educational institutions that are working hard to develop laws and new technology that will help combat driver inattention related to cell phone use while driving.
At Daggett Shuler, we try to help create awareness for our clients and friends regarding important safety issues. We see the tragic results that can occur because of driver inattention and we don’t want it to happen to you or someone you love. That’s why we encourage each of you to talk with your family members, and especially your teenagers about the use of cell phones while driving.
Cell phones are wonderful for family safety and security, but talking while driving quadruples the risk of car accidents. Ideally, use cell phones when stopped and off the road. The best advice is to not use a cell phone while driving. If you use a cell phone while driving, try to concentrate on driving safely by:
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Avoiding stressful or emotional conversations
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Hanging up in heavy traffic or bad weather
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Using message recording, memory dialing, redial, speakers, and other utilities
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Never writing or taking notes while driving
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Use speed dial functions if you MUST dial
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Please share this information with your young people and talk with them about the need to be fully attentive when driving and to refuse to ride with any driver that does not operate their vehicle in that manner.
If you have questions about this topic or if you or someone you know has been in a car accident, please feel free to call us for a free legal consultation. We would be happy to help.