Distracted driving is a common cause of accidents that occur on Texas roads and others throughout the country. As a general rule, anything that takes your focus off of the road is considered to be a distraction that may increase your risk of being in a crash. However, there are many things that you can do to minimize your odds of losing focus while traveling to work, school or other destinations.
Make sure that you are awake and alert
It’s imperative that you don’t attempt to drive if you feel drowsy for any reason. This is because you will struggle to process information in a timely manner, which could result in running a red light or failing to notice an object in the road. It may also be difficult to maintain your lane or drive at a consistent speed. If you are struggling to stay awake, it may be best to pull to the side of the road and take a quick nap. Alternatively, you can ask a passenger to drive for you while you snooze.
Refrain from using your phone while your car is in motion
A significant number of motor vehicle accidents occur while people are using their cellphones. In addition to making calls, phones are commonly used by drivers to check social media pages, read text messages or take pictures. It’s worth noting that using a phone is dangerous even if you have a hands-free system because your brain cannot focus on the road and a conversation at the same time.
It may be in your best interest to download apps that render your phone inoperable while your car is moving. You can also hand it to a passenger for safekeeping until you reach your destination.
If you are hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. This may help to pay medical costs, make up for earnings lost while recovering from your injuries and make it easier to replace items damaged in the accident. A case may be resolved in court or through a settlement.