During this time of year, distracted driving is an especially common problem. More people have multiple things to do and most of us are thinking about holiday lists, events, and shopping. With more to do more to accomplish before the end of the year, it’s easy to get distracted.
Unfortunately, distracted driving in Hollywood and across southern Florida is a serious problem. Even a few seconds of inattention can lead to a pedestrian accident, intersection accident, or even multiple vehicle collision in Hollywood or your community. To avoid distracted driving this year, you’ll want to:
1) Take care of your health.
Unfortunately, the busiest time of the year coincides with cold and flu season. Being ill can make it even harder to focus on driving. Get a flu shot and take good care of your health by sleeping adequately and eating well. If you are ill, avoid driving, since your concentration will be poorer and you’re more likely to make mistakes on the road.
2) Create a to-do list.
A major cause of distraction involves people thinking about everything they need to do. You can be more focused and less distracted by writing everything down in one place, so you don’t have to keep everything in mind.
Once you have created a to-do list of everything you need to buy, do, and plan before the holidays, you can evaluate your list to determine whether you really need to get everything done. Wherever possible, simplified so you’re not overwhelmed, anxious, and losing sleep because of your hectic schedule. You don’t want to add the risk of fatigued driving to the risk of distracted driving.
3) Delegate.
Once you have a list of everything you need to do, delegate some of your tasks to free up time for you to relax, sleep, and take care of yourself. If you know you have cards to fill out, for example, or shopping to do, consider whether someone else in your family can handle some of these tasks. Perhaps you can hire someone to help you with some of the more common tasks.
4) Rely on services.
Services such as taxis, delivery services, giftwrapping services, and other basic services can leave you more time and leave you less frazzled, letting you focus on all of your tasks – including driving. Let others help you and take advantage of any services offered. Keep in mind that many malls have free giftwrapping or free delivery services at this time of year, which can make the holidays a little simpler.
5) Monotask.
Studies have shown that focusing on one task at a time is more time effective, anyway. Rather than driving while trying to make phone calls, mentally compose a grocery list, or take on other tasks, focus on one activity at a time. When you’re driving, think only of driving. Avoiding multiple tasks decreases your chance of a car accident and makes you more efficient as a driver.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Our law offices in Homestead, Hollywood, and Miami are always open to those who have been injured. In a free accident consultation, we would be happy to help you understand whether you have a claim.