Multitasking is a dangerous practice while operating a vehicle. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, over 8,000 vehicle accidents occurred in the state of Arizona in 2020 alone due to distracted driving. They resulted in thousands of injuries and, tragically, 39 fatalities.
However, distracted driving is entirely preventable if you’re willing to set yourself up for success. These tips can help you and your loved ones stay safer and more alert on the road.
How To Prevent Distracted Driving: 3 Practical Tips for Friends and Family
In addition to holding yourself accountable to the highest standards for safe driving, it’s important to encourage your loved ones to do the same. These simple yet powerful recommendations from experienced car accident lawyers in Phoenix can help everyone drive with better focus and avoid unnecessary car accidents.
1. Plan Your Meals and Snacks
Everyone seems to be in a rush these days, and eating on the run is a go-to practice for many families. However, eating while driving is dangerous in more ways than one. It contributes to taking your eyes off the road for much longer than you may realize. In addition, it puts you at risk for digestive issues and unhealthy eating habits overall. Instead, make time to eat before you leave, even if it’s just a quick snack to hold you over. Pack meals or snacks with you to eat once you’ve reached your destination so you can enjoy your food safely.
2. Keep Your Phone Out of Sight
If you want to know how to prevent distracted driving, focus on changing the way you handle your phone in a vehicle. This is one of the most common and most dangerous practices while driving. Put your phone away while you’re behind the wheel. In Maricopa County, it is illegal to operate any type of electronic device while operating a car unless it’s in hands-free mode.
When you’re driving, store your phone so it’s completely out of sight and you aren’t tempted to use it. If your car does not have a hands-free connection option, silence your device for the drive. Most phones have settings that allow you to send an automatic reply to all phone calls and messages while you’re driving so you can stay distraction-free.
3. Create a Driver-Friendly Playlist
Listening to music is a common practice while driving, but constantly reaching to skip songs or search for a new album still counts as distracted driving. To keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road, create a lengthy playlist you love full of your favorite tunes beforehand. Start your playlist and adjust the settings and volume to the appropriate level before you put the car in gear. It only takes a few seconds, but this type of pre-drive preparation could save your life.
How To Prevent Distracted Driving: Legal Help and Advice
It’s up to you to make smart choices behind the wheel. When learning how to prevent distracted driving, make sure you also understand your rights and responsibilities when this issue leads to an accident. At Sargon Law Group, our personal injury lawyers in Phoenix specialize in helping our Arizona clients take the right steps to protect their assets and their future. Contact us today to learn more about all of our legal services for automobile incidents.