You glance over in the next lane and see the driver with their eyes on their cell phone. They swerve precariously into your lane, causing you to take evasive actions. How many times has this happened to you? Houston car accident attorneys urge drivers to leave the texting and phone conversations until you’re in a safe place. However, that isn’t the only habit to keep in check when it comes to safe motoring.
Causes of Distracted Driving
While there is a multitude of distractions while driving, here are the most common avoidable ones: eating, putting on make-up or using your console features, such as GPS or satellite radio. The largest distraction by far is texting. Even young moms and dads get into the habit of texting while driving, forgetful of the fact that there’s a lot at stake in case of an accident.
You may have done this yourself. That’s why it’s better to set your notifications to silent while you’re driving, with the possible exception of GPS.
Millennials and Technology
Millennials were born in a digitized world, so it may be hardest of all for this group to turn off the tech to avoid a wreck. If you were born between the mid-1980s to late 1990s, it’s not surprising if your texting fingers get twitchy when you’re behind the wheel. However, it’s also important to know your rights if you are the victim of a distracted driver. Your Houston car accident attorneys can explain how the process works and what you need to do to safeguard your rights.
If you are a millennial with a young family, here are some tips to stay safe when your kids are in the backseat.
Cell Phone Best Practices
No one likes to leave their phone home, especially in case of emergencies. To avoid this extreme measure follow some safety practices that protect you from bad habits.
- First, doublecheck that all notifications are turned off before you get in the car. You will still have it for emergencies and GPS but won’t get messages regarding new calls, texts or other messages.
- Secondly, if you aren’t using GPS, store the phone in the console, a bag, the glove compartment or another safe place. Once it’s out of sight, you won’t be as tempted to check it at every red light.
- For GPS, consider buying a dashboard mount. With the device at eye level, the time you’re distracted is greatly shortened. It also makes it easy to follow directions.
If you are in an accident where a distracted driver hits you, once you’ve verified that everyone is okay, call your Houston car accident attorneys immediately for advice on what to do and what not to do to help secure your case.
