Preventing Distracted Driving: A Comprehensive Guide
Distracted driving is a leading cause of road accidents, resulting in thousands of injuries and fatalities each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted drivers are responsible for 11% of all crashes in the United States.
Tips to prevent distracted driving include keeping your eyes on the road, not using your phone while driving, and avoiding distractions such as eating or grooming.
- Keep your eyes on the road at all times. Glancing at your phone or watching a video can be just as distracting as driving with your feet on the pedals.
- Put away your phone and keep it out of sight during drives.
- Avoid using food, drinks, or other items to eat while driving.
Laws and Regulations
The laws and regulations regarding distracted driving vary by state. However, most states require drivers to use hands-free devices when driving a vehicle with passengers, and some states prohibit texting while driving altogether.
Check your local laws and regulations for more information on prohibited distractions in your area.
Statistics and Research
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), distracted driving is a major contributor to road accidents. In fact, AAA reports that distracted drivers are responsible for an average of 11 crashes per minute in the United States.
The National Safety Council estimates that distracted driving causes over 3,500 deaths and 300,000 injuries each year in the United States.
Tips and Strategies
Here are some additional tips to help you stay safe while driving: avoid using virtual assistants such as Siri or Alexa while driving, keep your seatbelt fastened at all times, and take breaks every few hours to rest and stretch.
Additionally, consider installing a dash cam with a built-in GPS system, which can provide valuable footage of accidents in case you need to file a claim.
