The last thing you want when on the road is anything that gets your eyes, hands, or mind off the road, as it could spell disaster for you, your passengers, and other road users.
It may not seem like a big deal if you have been doing it without getting into an accident, but it's a different story for the over 3,000 people who lose their lives on American roads each year due to distracted driving and the tens of thousands that suffered life-altering personal injuries.
Additionally, Michigan recently updated their distracted driving law prohibiting drivers from using hand-held cell phone or mobile devices. Here are some tips that can help you stay safe while driving.
Put Your Cell Phone Away
There are no two ways around phone usage while on the road. You have got to put it away. You can switch it off and put it out of reach while on the road.
But the best option is to put it in "do not disturb" mode so you do not get notifications for incoming calls, messages, and social media activity, reducing the temptation to look while also allowing you the ease of use in an emergency.
Finish Your Grooming Before Getting On the Road
Most cars have a vanity mirror on the passenger and driver's side. While these mirrors are for finishing your grooming in the car, you cannot do it while on the road.
The secret is finishing everything before leaving the house if you are the driver. If you need to check or fix anything, it can wait until you reach your destination before exiting your vehicle.
Plan Everything Beforehand
Making plans beforehand can significantly reduce what you need to do or think about while on the road. So, take your time to consider everything you will need for the journey.
“Pick your music playlist before you leave, adjust your vehicle's climate control as you get buckled up, and set up your GPS before you hit the road. The fewer things you want to do, the less distracted you will be on the road,” says auto accident lawyer Lawrence Buckfire.
Limit the Level of Activity in the Car
Children and pets can be very distracting, so ensure they are well-secured. While screen time for children should have limits, you can try allowing more screen time while on the road if it means getting them off your back for the drive.
For adults, keep your engagement limited to general talk or provide some other form of entertainment to keep them engaged if you feel talking will be a big distraction.
Get Your Meals at Sit-Down Restaurants
Drive-throughs are convenient for quick meals. However, they are not the best place to get your meals while driving, as you may be tempted to eat while at the wheel, creating a distraction.
The best option is getting your meals from a sit-down restaurant. If you must get meals from a drive-through, get a safe place to park until you are done eating and drinking before proceeding.
An Accident Involving a Distracted Driver
Doing everything you can to avoid distractions on the road cannot guarantee other drivers will abide by the same thought process. If another driver injures you in a distracted driving-related accident, you can use the distraction to prove negligence in your personal injury claim to recover compensation for harm suffered. You may also want to involve a personal injury lawyer to better your chances of getting a fair settlement.
