How to Avoid Cell Phone Distractions While Driving

With the internet so readily available, it can be incredibly tempting to peek at your phone while you are driving. However, this can also be incredibly dangerous and lead to serious injury to yourself or other drivers on the road. 

While we have your attention, we will go over what distracted driving is, the dangers of distracted driving, how to prevent distracted driving, and just how dangerous cell phone distractions are while behind the wheel.

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What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is not limited to just using your cell phone while driving. It can refer to any time that your attention is not on the road while you are driving. This can include eating or drinking, changing the radio station, and even looking at other things around the car like a billboard. Anything that takes your focus away from the road in front of you is distracted driving and can lead to a serious car accident.

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Is Distracted Driving Really Dangerous?

Driving a 2,500-pound hunk of metal always comes with a level of risk, which is why it is important to follow all road safety rules and take driving very seriously. Being distracted while driving only puts you in more danger and a greater risk of getting into a fatal accident. In 2020 alone, 3,142 individuals were killed due to distracted driving and 324,652 people were injured nationwide.

Sneaking a peak at your phone while driving not only puts your life at risk, but you also risk the lives of other passengers, pedestrians, and drivers on the road.

How Can You Prevent Cell Phone Distractions While Driving?

We understand the temptation to look at your phone when you hear a notification, but it is important to keep your attention on the road and both hands on the wheel at all times. Some tricks you can try to prevent that temptation include placing your phone on “do not disturb,” which silences all notifications so you can keep your attention on the road. There are also apps that you can install on your phone that temporarily lock it so you cannot use it at all while behind the wheel. At the end of the day, the best practice is to simply not use your phone or other devices while driving and silence any notifications.

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How Can You Reduce the Likelihood of Using Your Cellphone While Driving?

Some tips and tricks you can follow to reduce the likelihood of cell phone use while driving include the following.

• Put your phone in the glove compartment or anywhere out of arm’s reach.
• Invest in hands-free Bluetooth devices for your phone.
• Put your phone on silent mode or “do not disturb.”
• Do not use your phone while stopped at a stop sign or red light.
• If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over to a safe location and take care of it before getting back on the road.
• Be aware of your state’s laws and regulations regarding cell phone use while driving.

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10 Essential Tips for Parents to Prevent Their Children From Using Cellphones While Driving

1. Set a good example by not using your phone while driving.
2. Talk with your child about the dangers of distracted driving.
3. Encourage your child to pull over if they need to use their cell phone.
4. Go over any legal consequences of using their phone while driving.
5. Discuss your state’s laws regarding cell phone use while driving and any repercussions that may come from it.
6. Install an app on their phone that silences notifications while they are driving.
7. Set clear rules about phone use while driving.
8. If you are in the car with them, offer to make any calls or send text messages on their behalf.
9. Use positive reinforcement when you see your child not participating in distracted driving.
10. Remind them that the text can wait, and the most important thing is that they get home safe at the end of the day.

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Three Types of Distraction

While distracted driving can refer to any task that can take your attention away from the road, the three main types of distractions include visual distractions, manual distractions, and cognitive distractions. 

Visual distractions are when a driver looks away from the road, manual distractions are ones where a driver takes one or both hands off of the wheel, and cognitive distractions are when thoughts or emotions get in the way of your focus on driving.

How Much Does Phone Use Increase the Risk of an Accident?

Using your phone while driving may seem quick and harmless, but those few seconds greatly increase your chances of getting into a car accident. For every two seconds that your attention is away from the road, you are two to three times more likely to get into a car accident. 

Sending a text message takes an average of five seconds. In those few seconds when you are dialing or reaching for your phone, you are four times more likely to get into a serious motor vehicle accident. 

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Get a Free Consultation with an Albuquerque Car Accident Attorney for Texting and Driving Cases

Cell phone distractions not only put the distracted driver in danger, but it also puts everyone else on the road with them at risk of injury from a car accident. Preventing distracted driving and putting your phone away can help save lives and ensure that you get home safe for your family and friends.

Have you been in a car accident with a driver distracted by their phone? Contact Shapiro Law Team in New Mexico to see what compensation you are entitled to. Our team of personal injury lawyers is ready to help you navigate the legal process and receive the justice you deserve after a vehicle accident.

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