Straight Talk Law: Top Driver Distractions to Avoid | Seattle Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Law

Many times when we get in our cars, we are in a hurry. We don't want to be late for work, we might have an appointment, need to get our kids to their game in time, whatever the case may be, people are rushed. During 'rush hour traffic', people are not relaxed and patient, they want to get to where they are going in as fast as possible. Just because you are in a hurry does not mean that you have an excuse to speed or drive dangerously. Unfortunately however, the more of a hurry a driver is in, the more reckless they become. To make matters worse, a lot of the time when individuals are in a hurry they need to make up on lost time by doing certain activities while they are in their car. This may include applying makeup, talking on the phone, or even eating breakfast. There are enough things to pay attention to while driving, participating in extra distracting activities is only asking for disaster.

According to a 2006 study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes involve some form of driver distraction within three seconds before the crash. The term "distracted driving" refers to anything that takes your eyes, hands or mind away from driving. Distracted driving causes thousands of accidents each year. The following are among the top driver distractions we should all avoid:

Applying Makeup - This is usually a direct result of someone being in a hurry. Women may use the drive to work as an opportunity to save time and apply their makeup in their rear view window. Unfortunately, this takes both eyes off of the road for seconds at a time. It is not worth it, take the extra two minutes to apply your mascara before your leave your home.

Reading - While it may sound unusual, believe it or not, people do read behind the wheel. Reports due at work, newspapers, or shockingly even novels have been found to be driver's literature of choice. This may be one of the dumbest things you can do behind the wheel and it should never be done.

Talking and Texting on your cell phone- Many individuals are not good multi-taskers. Talking on and using your phone can distract you in more ways than one and is one of the leading causes of serious auto accidents. Unless it is an emergency, perhaps your cell phone should just remain off until you park and turn off your car.

Driving with a pet in your lap - Many of our animal friends become filled with uncontrollable excitement at the prospect of getting to go for a ride. However, they can be very distracting to the driver, especially if you let them sit in your lap. You may think that driving with a pet in your lap may look cool and attract attention, but it is extremely dangerous and distracting.

Watching a movie or TV - Yes, technology allows us to do these things in our cars now. But unless you are someone other than the driver that is in the back seat, catching up on the newest episodes of your favorite shows should be an activity done on your couch, not your driver's seat.

Shaving - The male equivalent to putting on makeup. Once again, this activity is done to try and shed some minutes off of your morning commute. Not only will you increase your chances of cutting yourself while shaving, you will also increase your chances of injuring yourself and others. Refrain from doing this activity in your vehicle.

The Radio - This can cause distraction by taking your eyes off the road to change the station. It also can result in heavily involved singing and dancing in the car, two activities which will distract you from driving safely.

Smoking- Lighting your cigarette before you start your car, or even at a stop light, is much safer than having to worry about reaching around for your lighter while on the road.

Eating - Eating while driving is one of the most common and most distracting activities found on the roads. We've all been hungry and in a hurry for a meal before. Eating requires use of your hands, and you cannot steer a car with a burger in your left hand and a soda in your right. Drinking coffee also ranks high on the list as driver's are very attentive in making sure that they do not spill their coffee on themselves. Drinking and eating while driving is distracting enough as it is, but if you happen to spill on yourself, it can cause a reaction that will further distract the driver.

Avoiding participating in these activities will prevent car accidents and personal injuries. Please remember that saving a few minutes off of your commute is not worth the damages that driving distracted can cause.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com