Distracted driving is a huge issue on the roads nowadays as there are countless things vying for our attention at any one time. Whether you have kids playing in the back, you're chatting with someone in the front seat or you are simply enjoying the views as you drive, it only takes a moment for things to go wrong. When you’re behind the wheel, you just need to glance at your phone for a few seconds and before you know it, you can be driving off course.
Things can go from bad to worse pretty quickly when you’re out on the road and it’s important that you do everything you can to keep both you, your passengers, and other road users as safe as possible. As our car crash attorneys in Gainesville, FL, will tell you, Florida has more than its share of car crashes. In order to keep these incidents to a minimum and to save lives, it’s crucial that you focus on the road and avoid distractions.
Let’s take a look at some interesting distracted driving stats to help highlight just how dangerous not focusing on the road can truly be.
Multitasking Brings Danger
When you do two or more things at once, your brain switches between the tasks rapidly which creates a lack of focus. Car accidents in Gainesville, FL are more prevalent when people multitask so it’s crucial you avoid multitasking when you’re behind the wheel.
Remember, a ringing phone can wait. That bag that fell over spilling your contents all over the passenger side floorboard can wait. Instead, concentrate on your driving or pull over in a safe place to address issues.
The Brain Needs 13 Seconds To Refocus
When you look at your phone for even 2 seconds, it takes your brain 13 seconds to refocus on the road ahead. Once you set your eyes back on the road, you are still not 100% focused on your driving.
Distracted driving accidents in Gainesville, Florida are at an all-time high due to this wasted 13 seconds and it can have a real impact on auto accidents in the area.
Our car crash lawyers in Gainesville, FL will tell you that looking away from the road or at the radio dial can cost you dearly. The 13 seconds it takes to refocus could be the time in which a car swerves into your lane or a pedestrian or animal runs out in front of you so make sure you stay on task.
77% Of Accidents Happen Close To The Destination
One Gainesville car accident statistic that can easily be altered is the number of accidents that happen near the intended destination. The closer you get to home after a long trip, the easier it is to become distracted as you start to relax let your mind wander. This is actually a time where you need to put in a little extra effort to be vigilant.
Relaxing and letting down your guard is tempting when you are close to your destination. To ensure you, your passengers, and other road users stay safe, make sure that you stay focused on the road ahead until your journey is complete.
Eating While Driving Brings Risk
Distracted driving car accidents are often caused by eating. When you are hungry and have limited time, it is tempting to eat while driving but this can cause numerous problems. Eating while driving often causes spills and leaks that often demand your attention. You will also need to split your attention between two tasks; eating and driving.
Eating while driving keeps one hand off the wheel which is never a good idea. Both hands should be on the steering wheel at ten and two so you are always firmly in control of your vehicle.
Texting is More Dangerous than Drunk Driving
According to statistics, texting causes more accidents than drunk driving. Many car accidents in the Gainesville, Florida area are caused by texting which can easily be avoided by simply putting the phone down! No amount of communication is worth your life or the life of another person so if this is something you are guilty of, now is the time to make a change.
Texting requires more effort and thought than turning the radio dial or rummaging through a bag while driving. To physically look down at the phone screen means your eyes are no longer on the road.
Avoid Distracted Driving And Stay Safe On The Road
When you’re driving, it’s crucial that you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. You have the power to change the statistics above by simply using more care when driving. If you have been a victim of a car accident due to the driver being distracted, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. To ensure you get the best legal assistance possible, make sure that you get in touch with our team at Schackow &Mercadante today.