Driving is one of the most dangerous things you do every day. Each year, many Hollywood passengers and motorists are seriously injured in car collisions. While there are many reasons for car crashes, distraction remains a key cause of many collisions. Unfortunately, it is difficult to accurately tell how many collisions are impacted by distracted motorists, since there are no tests to determine distraction.
Why Does Distracted Driving Happen?
One of the challenges of distraction is that it can be difficult to notice, even for a practiced driver. Distraction which is dangerous on the roads can occur for many reasons and in various ways:
- Daydreaming
- Inattention caused by familiar routes, such as an often-navigated work commute
- Multitasking
- Ringing phones and other devices
- Increasingly complex dashboards requiring more attention
- Attractions and distractions on the road
- Other passengers
- Busy schedules
- Highway hypnosis
- Emotions, especially strong emotions such as anger
- Pain or distracting physical sensations
The problem is that many of us are busy and it can be very easy to slip into distraction.
How Can I Stay Safe?
Even with internal and external distractions, it is possible to reduce your risk of a distracted driving accident if you:
- Change up your drive. Taking a new route from time to time, especially if you tend to take the same drive, forces you to be more alert.
- Drive defensively. Thinking a few moves ahead ensures you keep scanning the road around you and stay focused on driving.
- Shut off electronics before driving. Put purses and electronics in the trunk. They will be less of a distraction and in the event of a collision they are less likely to cause blunt force trauma.
- Keep your passengers safe. Let passengers talk amongst each other while you focus on the drive. If you have children in the car, give them a task or game so they can be distracted with that. When driving with pets, place them in a kennel or cage in the backseat, where they will not be able to distract you.
- Monofocus. Multitasking can lead to accidents and injuries and is generally less productive than focusing on one task at a time.
- Manage time effectively. By using your time wisely, you are less likely to be stressed and distracted, which lets you drive and complete other tasks with less danger.
- Make yourself aware of distraction. If you don’t remember the last few seconds of your drive, you are dangerously distracted. Make it a habit to self-check for distraction throughout the day and try to bring your focus back to the task at hand.
- Look out for distracted drivers on the road. If you notice other drivers who are looking at their cell phones or seem to be distracted, stay out of their way and drive defensively.
I Think I Was Hit by a Distracted Driver—What Can I Do?
If you have been in a car collision in Southern Florida, contact a Hollywood car accident attorney. An attorney can give you legal advice, can represent you as you seek compensation for your injuries, and can generally look out for your best interests. If you would like to speak to an auto accident attorney in Hollywood, Homestead, Miami, or surrounding areas, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free, no obligation consultation.