Tips on Avoiding Distracted Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 80% of collisions and 65% of near crashes have some form of driver inattention as contributing factors. As a result, Ontario is increasing fines and penalties for distracted drivers. See here for the recent changes and how drivers will be impacted.

Sandra Zisckind of Diamond & Diamond Personal Injury Lawyers provides some tips on avoiding distracted driving:

Before driving:

  1. Know your route. Before hitting the road, review all maps and directions. It’s also a good idea to pre-program your route on a GPS or similar device.
  2. Keep the vehicle clean. Avoid using your car as a storage locker. A messy vehicle contains many distractions.
  3. Stow and secure pets and loose objects. If you find an item moving around, you’re more likely to try and secure it while driving, creating a dangerous distraction.
  4. Pre-set climate controls and the radio prior to driving.

While you’re driving:

  1. Take frequent breaks. On long routes, it’s natural for drivers to become restless and distracted. When possible, take a quick break and grab some fresh air.
  2. Allow phone calls to go to voicemail. If you haven’t connected your phone to a hands-free device before you set off to your destination, allow your phone calls to go to voicemail.
  3. Do not eat or drink. If you’re hungry or thirsty, pull over and take a break.
  4. Do not text, surf the web or read emails. This is one of the most common distractions. The easiest way to avoid using your phone/laptop device is by putting it on silent.
  5. Keep two hands on the wheel. Not only does this provide better control, it also reduces fatigue.

Distracted driving is dangerous both to the driver and those around them.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call Jeremy Diamond, Sandra Zisckind or anyone on the team at Diamond & Diamond Personal Injury Lawyers. We will work tirelessly to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Call us for a free consultation at 1-800-567-HURT (4878) or visit us here.