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The Top 4 Distracted Driver DON’TS by A Distracted Driving Lawyer

Distracted Driver DON’TS by A Distracted Driving Lawyer

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When we read a report recently by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stating that every day 8 people in the USA are killed in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver, we decided that we wanted to share all we knew on this topic. If you are looking for a distracted driving lawyer, Jenkins Law has you covered!

The act of driving while engaged in an activity that distracts the driver’s attention away from the road is proven to risk the safety of the driver themselves, their passengers, plus other road users and nearby pedestrians. 

So, drivers: try to avoid anything that’s a 

  • Visual distraction – something that takes your eyes off the road
  • Manual distraction – something that takes your hands off the wheel
  • Cognitive distraction – something that takes your mind off your driving

Now, for maximum drama, we are starting with the number 4 driving distraction and making our way to the number one distraction. Are you ready?

  1. Navigation

OK, so without the GPS on the dashboards, or Google maps on our phone, many of us would be driving around in circles, late, lost, and frustrated. However, the screen takes your attention, and you often have to type in the address and press a button. Set the GPS before starting your journey and follow the voice commands without touching the screen.

  1. Eating

You were spotted, juicy burger in one hand, steering wheel in the other. When the secret sauce dribbled down your chin, and there were no napkins in the glovebox, that’s when the trouble started. It didn’t help that during that sharp turn, the milkshake -instead of bringing the boys to the yard – brought the cold gloop to your lap. You fumbled. You missed. And your driving sucked. No judgment, though, we have all been there, vowing to never again multitask by eating while driving.

  1. Children

Are we there yet? If you’re a parent, you’ll know the true meaning of karma, since you yourself used to fight with your sibling in the backseat and kick the seat in front of you. Perhaps it’s your turn to now try to drive and referee at the same time, or deal with a Houdini who dislikes seatbelts and refuses to be restrained. 

Well, being a good parent also means being a good driver – so ensure that the car seat/seatbelt is secure before driving, pull over if it’s absolutely necessary to intervene, and talk to older kids and teens about how distracting it can be for drivers when there is commotion in the back. 

Now, are you ready for the numero uno distraction?

  1. Cell phones

Talking, texting, and scrolling. Is it really so urgent that you’re willing to risk your life, as well as the safety of others? Didn’t think so. It wouldn’t kill you to put it away, so put the cell phone out of reach, pull over if it’s the call you really need to take or install a handsfree set.

Did you know?

In 2019, Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis made texting while driving a primary traffic offense in Florida – it starts at $30 for a first offense and often climbs to over $100. 

Getting you back at the wheel

No matter how cautious you are while driving, there are often unexpected events that can take us by surprise and grab our attention. Perhaps you’ve had the misfortune to suffer a car accident or have been the victim of a distracted driver that caused a bicycle injury.

You need an experienced, understanding distracted driving lawyer to help you. Reach out to Jenkins Law P.L and we can get you back on the road to wellness. 

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