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How Distracted Driving Can Put You In A World Of Stress

Did you know that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in the United States? It is shocking how much drivers attempt to do while they are driving. Common types of distractions while driving include wearing makeup, taking on the phone, texting, checking for directions, watching videos, and eating. A moment of distraction may be enough to cause a serious accident or death.

A Glance at Distracted Driving

If you are eating or talking on the phone while driving, your reaction time is significantly impaired. The reaction time when talking on the phone is as low as for a legally drunk driver.

If you receive or send texts, your focus is away from the road for about 4.6 seconds. It is like driving the length of a football field at 55 miles per hour while blindfolded. No matter how experienced you are, it can put your life in danger.

Anything that takes your attention away from the road, no matter how briefly, is considered distracted driving. Even though all distractions are serious, cell phones are the most disastrous in Tampa. As any good distracted driving lawyer in Tampa will tell you, it is always best to keep your phones away when driving. According to the National Safety Council, about 21 percent of all crashes in the country are caused by cell phones.

While most types of distracted driving are visual, some of them may be cognitive. They may not take your eyes off the road, or your hands off the steering wheel, but they take your mind away from driving.

 Distracted Driving Affects Everybody

Distracted driving is not just a problem for new drivers. It impacts everyone including older and more experienced drivers. Do not assume that your experience will keep you safe on the road. Here are a few ways to control distracted driving habits:

  • Turn your phone off or put it in silent mode
  •  Pull over if you need to make a call or respond to a message
  • Avoid attempting to multitask
  •  If you need assistance from someone in the passenger seat, ask for it
  • Set a message informing callers that you are on the road
  • Understand the laws in your state
  • Review direction before you start driving

The Effects of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can be dangerous for you, the passengers in your car, and other road users. Its effects range from minor accidents to severe injuries and death. It affects your insurance premiums as well. If you frequently get into accidents because of distracted driving, most insurance providers will consider you a high-risk driver. Depending on where you live, distracted driving could attract a fine or jail time. It increases your chances of getting into accidents, attracting criminal charges, and paying high premiums on your insurance.

Driving Under the Influence

Using mind-altering substances like alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit drugs is considered a type of distracted driving. These substances make it difficult or impossible to put all your attention on the road. They impair your judgment and slow your response time.

Most states have strict driving laws against driving under the influence. You are likely to incur jail time, huge fines, or a suspension of your driver’s license. You may have trouble obtaining car insurance as well. If you do, your monthly premiums will be higher than they need to be. Your current auto insurance carrier may non-renew your policy. Getting back into the good books of insurers can take years.

Cell Phone Usage

The use of cell phones while driving causes the highest level of distraction. Unfortunately, many drivers do not hesitate to make a call or respond to a text even driving on a busy road. Experts have compared cellphone usage to drinking and driving. Most states have already banned texting and driving.

If you are caught, the police will stop you and give you a ticket. Your insurance providers are likely to add a surcharge to your policy the next time you renew it.

Remain Focused and Save Lives

Teen Driver

Even though lots of people drive distracted and get away with it, you won’t always be lucky. If distracted driving has become part of your daily life, you may not be fully aware of its consequences. Like most people, you will assume that nothing can happen to you until it does. A second of distraction may cause a lifetime of suffering. It could cause bodily harm, damage to property, and a significantly reduced quality of life.

Unfortunately, the consequences of distracted driving do not just affect you. They affect other drivers as well.

The best way to avoid distracted driving is by understanding the things that are likely to distract you and preparing for them. If, for example, you have to check your hand-written directions, it would be wise to do it before you start driving.


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How Distracted Driving Can Put You In A World Of Stress

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