April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Every year, distracted driving shatters families and changes lives. Thousands of people are killed and, according to EndDD.com, more than 400,000 are injured because another driver chose to use a cell phone while driving or was distracted by technology being used inside a car. Despite the fact that many drivers are aware of the danger of using a phone while driving, as many as 67% of drivers report using a phone while they are behind the wheel. Some drivers have stated that they were unsure about the laws regarding such distracted driving. It is important to understand the traffic laws and how they will affect you if you find yourself in a traffic accident. If you’d like to learn more in regards to the law, you can visit this site.
According to CBS Local, the dangers of distracted driving hit close to home recently, when the daughter of a distracted driving instructor was killed.
These accidents have an immense impact on our community, our youth, and our safety. Unfortunately, as technology becomes more ubiquitous, more individuals use it without thinking about the potential consequences.
Distracted driving is a habit, and habits can be tough to change. What are some ways you can protect yourself? Our Minneapolis, Minnesota personal injury lawyer offers some suggestions:
- You wouldn’t get in a car with a drunk driver. Don’t get in a car with a distracted one. If a driver is texting or calling, offer to be a “designated texter” or offer to operate GPS systems. If you are being driven by a distracted driver, don’t be afraid to speak up. If you know someone who frequently drives while distracted, find non-confrontational speaking strategies to encourage the driver to engage in safer habits. Offering to help with phone duties is one easy way. Another way is to refuse to be a passenger if someone is going to drive while distracted.
- Understand the economic impact. Distracted driving costs society approximately $175 billion a year. If you hurt or kill someone while driving, you could be responsible for paying for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost consortium, and pain and suffering damages, not to mention having to live with the guilt of having impacted another person’s life and family forever. Think before you call.
- Speak to your teens about distracted driving. While distracted driving is hardly a teen problem, teens who text and drive or who make calls are much more at risk of getting into a crash. Teens are inexperienced drivers and can’t multi-task as well as more skilled drivers. For this reason, teens and technology especially don’t mix. Speaking up about distracted driving and its risks is important, but it’s also a good idea to set a good example. Don’t talk on the phone and drive when your teen is in the car.
- Understand that hands-free devices also create distractions. Hands free doesn’t always mean safer. Talking on the phone takes cognitive attention from your most important task-driving.
- Support distracted driving initiatives in your community. April is distracted driving awareness month. Support your community and raise awareness.
The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino sees too many cases where accidents could have been prevented had drivers been more cautious. As Minneapolis personal injury attorneys, we urge individuals and families to think about their actions behind the wheel this month-and every month.
Distracted driving causes damage to vehicles, injuries and can also claim lives. Checking your mobile phone is not a risk worth taking while behind the wheel. If you’ve been in a car accident in Missouri that was the result of the recklessness of another driver, you may wish to reach out to Car Accident Lawyers near St. Louis MO.