Distracted Drivers Are a Risk on the Road

Driving allows us to navigate Connecticut’s urban and rural roads conveniently, quickly, and, most of the time, safely. However, distracted driving is a danger looming over the state and the rest of the country. As we allow ourselves to be distracted by anything inside or outside of our vehicles, we are putting ourselves, our passengers, and others on the road in danger. By identifying the types of distractions around you and the risks they pose, we can learn to be safer, more observant drivers.

Visual Distractions

Visual distractions include anything that draws your eyes away from the road. It often includes billboards, other motor accidents, scenic views and more. By removing your eyes from the street in front of you, you become more susceptible to an accident. In those few moments, a car could decide to change lanes or stop in front of you quickly. Without your sharpest attention, this could spell injury for you and them.

To minimize the risk of visual distractions, it’s important to remember the necessity of your focus. Some ways you can lessen your potential risks include:

• Pulling over if you want to enjoy a sunset or need to redirect your GPS
• Arranging for someone else to drive if you anticipate wanting to enjoy the scenes as you drive by
• Having a passenger keep an eye out for billboards that advertise an exit you want to take

While you’re in the car, your focus should only leave the road ahead while you check your mirrors. Your attention is crucial for safer roads.

Manual Distractions

Manual distractions are ones that take you away from the physical act of driving a car. It can be to answer a text, find the right music to listen to, or eat. Removing your hands from the wheel impairs your ability to react quickly to abrupt changes in pedestrian or auto traffic. Your impaired ability to react to these changes is hazardous to you and those around you.

You can remain prepared for sudden changes on the road and lessen your manual distractions by:

• Choosing your music beforehand
• Having another passenger respond to a message for you
• Leaving early for a destination if you need to finish eating or getting ready so that you may do so safely once parked

Keeping both hands on the wheel is an easy way to keep safe.

Cognitive Distractions

Cognitive distractions are those that pull your mind away from the task at hand. It’s going over to-do lists, talking on the phone, and daydreaming, to name a few. It reduces your reaction time and may cause you to miss changing traffic lights or other signs on the road.

To avoid cognitive distractions, you can:

• Take time to meditate in the morning and at night to calm your mind and thoughts
• Keep an organized schedule
• Turn your phone to silent and answer once you’re done driving

By taking everything one task at a time and focusing only on driving, you allow yourself to be more alert and respond faster to anything you encounter.

Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a threat to the safety of Connecticut drivers. Regardless of your own best practices, you may still fall victim to an accident caused by another less cautious driver. There’s no telling when danger may strike, but our attorneys are available to get you the help you need if it does. If you’ve been injured by another distracted driver, contact the Law Offices of James A. Welcome.

Contact the Law Offices of James A. Welcome for help from a focused attorney with an accident caused by a distracted driver.