Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

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April is distracted driving awareness month, so it’s a good time to review driving safety. Many people think distracted driving is simply using a mobile device or texting while driving. In reality, experts define distracted driving as anything that:

  • Takes your eyes off the road
  • Keeps your hands off the wheel
  • Distracts your mind from the task of driving

By this definition, many things can be defined as distractions behind the wheel, including:

  • Eating and drinking
  • Setting your dashboard controls or changing the music
  • Having engaging conversations with your passengers
  • Daydreaming
  • Using hands-free devices
  • Grooming
  • Looking at a map
  • Reading papers

While texting or checking mobile devices can be especially deadly because they both distract your mind and take your eyes off the road for seconds at a time, even something as simple as daydreaming can cause serious accidents.

Preventing Distracted Driving

This distracted driving awareness month, consider the following tips for preventing distracted driving:

  • Remove any distractions before you hop in the car. Put away mobile devices and your briefcase or purse and ask passengers to refrain from discussing anything especially emotional. Remove the temptation and stay safer on the roads.
  • Think three moves ahead. Practicing defensive driving can help keep your mind on driving.
  • Consider taking alternate routes. If you commute every day, you eventually might get so used to the route that you drive without really noticing what’s going on. Your brain may tune out and you may end up daydreaming. By switching up your route, you’re more likely to stay focused on the road.
  • Practice good time management. Some people drive distracted because they have so much to do they feel the need to multitask. Try staying focused and single-tasking instead.
  • Get proper sleep. Being fatigued increases your inability to focus closely on tasks, including driving.

What Rights Do I Have If a Reckless Driver Caused My Accident?

If you have been hit by a distracted driver, it’s important to contact a personal injury or car accident attorney quickly. Under Louisiana laws and the laws in most states, you may have a legal claim if the other driver was using a mobile device, was texting or was otherwise distracted at the time of the accident. If the other driver was reckless behind the wheel, you may be able to pursue a claim to get compensation for your medical costs, car repair bills and other costs.

To find out whether you have a claim, contact Irpino, Avin & Hawkins Law Firm. An award-winning and independent law firm in New Orleans, Irpino, Avin & Hawkins Law Firm is proud to serve clients across Louisiana. We put our whole focus on clients and their cases, and we pride ourselves on doing everything possible on behalf of their best interests. Click or call us today for a consultation.

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