Stopping Distractions One Step at a Time

By Grant Law Office on November 9, 2011

Distraction is among the most lethal threats to drivers on the road today. However, it’s also among the most preventable. With awareness and discipline, drivers can weed out the hazardous behavior at the root of distracted driving. By doing so and obeying cell phone driving laws, simple and strong choices save lives every time someone gets behind the wheel. Culled from recent tips released by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), here are some of the main causes and solutions for distraction behind the wheel.

• Cell Phones: Most distracted driving accidents stem from cell phone usage. Turn off your ringer when you’re behind the wheel, or use an application that automatically notifies callers you’re driving and states you will get back to them as soon as possible. If talking or making a call is essential, pull over to a safe and permitted area.
• Text Messaging: While cell phones are the vehicle for a wide variety of distracting activities for drivers, text messaging is regularly considered as the most dangerous. Texting removes a driver’s attention physically, mentally, and visually from the road.
• Directional Devices: Fumbling with or focusing on GPS tools or maps while driving is incredibly dangerous. Get your directions straight before you depart.
• Passengers and Pets: Kids, friends, and pets can all prove distracting to drivers. Conversations or issues that require attention should be handled off the road — or at least in a parking lot.
• Food, Drink, Etc: While drivers have been eating and drinking behind the wheel for years, it’s not safe, and has been included in numerous state distracted driving bans. Stay focused on driving and nothing else.

Drivers must also comprehend the laws regarding distracted driving in a particular region, which may contain primary bans on all cell phone use and potentially eating or drinking. Have you been injured in a Georgia accident you believe was caused by distracted driving? Call the Georgia distracted driving accident lawyers with Wayne Grant at (404) 995-3955 for a free case review.