Dangerous Driving Habits To Avoid

Distracted driving is defined as driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving. Distracted driving can be taking your eyes off the road, or manual like taking your hands off the wheel. Distracted drivers endanger passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. Avoiding harmful driving practices is a good way to not only stay alive on the road but also to keep insurance rates lower. To enjoy the lowest possible rate, drivers need to consistently maintain a record that is free of negligent accidents. It is also important to stay focused, pay attention, and always expect the unexpected. Even though you are practicing good driving habits, others may not be.

Distracted driving can be attributed to a number of factors. Here are ten dangerous distractions that every driver should avoid:

Cell Phones

This is usually the most talked about source of distracted driving. Talking, texting, or reading cell phone messages while driving are all causes of automobile accidents. In several states, it is illegal to text or talk while driving. To avoid the temptation, turn off your phone, put it on sleep mode, or consider installing a special software app to disable the phone while the vehicle is moving.

Reaching for Moving Objects

Reaching for moving objects such as pets or children can cause driver distraction. Drivers should make sure children remain in their seats and have their safety belts securely fastened. Teach your children the importance of not distracting you while driving. Provide them with toys, books, or tablets to keep them occupied. Pets should be kept in carriers or in seat restraints.

Smoking

Smoking while driving can be very distracting, as it requires you to remove one or both hands from the steering wheel to light a cigarette and hold it for an extended period of time.

Eating and Drinking

Drivers should stop if they need to eat or drink. Eating often involves both hands when you, for example, remove a wrapper or eat something such as a sandwich. Even when stopping for coffee, it is important to either wait until arriving at a destination to drink it or drink the beverage before pulling out of the parking lot.

Adjusting Controls

It is important to ensure these controls are set before driving. Although some features may not be possible to set ahead of time, such as cruise control or windshield wipers, drivers should be aware of their surroundings and be as focused as possible. If you are driving a rental car or borrowing a friend’s car, familiarize yourself with the car’s controls before you drive.

Outside Event

A billboard, crash, or other events outside have distracted almost everyone on the road. Many people crane their necks or slow down to look but drivers should always avoid slowing down for outside distractions as this can also cause an accident.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car crash or truck accident and are in need of an accident attorney in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Naples, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Ft. Myers or any other city in Florida –remember after 911, call 411! 1-800-411-PAIN can put you in touch with an experienced, aggressive network attorney who will fight for your rights and get the maximum compensation you deserve. Don’t forget to follow 411 PAIN on Twitter (@411PAIN), keep up with the conversation at #411PAIN and check out the 411 PAIN event gallery 411painevents.com!