The more our society drives, the more distractions and dangers we face. When automobiles were first invented, they only traveled about 10 to 20 miles per hour at most, radios did not exist and other drivers were few and far between on the road. It was very easy to stay on task and focused on avoiding obstacles and dangers around us.
These days, however, we have radios, roadways packed with other drivers, cellphones, numerous passengers, countless road signs and traffic signal devices. Plus we have a new and extremely dangerous distraction on the block: cellphones. So how do we avoid these distractions, keep our eyes on the road and avoid car crashes?
Avoid distractions and accidents while driving
Although it sounds easy and obvious enough, the most important thing an Alaska driver can do is keep his or her eyes on the road. We can facilitate this kind of attention by keeping both hands on the steering wheel when not shifting gears — and preferably at 10 and 2 o’clock.
Crash statistics show 20 percent of all vehicle accidents happen due to distractions. Do not eat, drink or smoke while operating your car. A cigarette can fall, burn you and/or catch fire. There is nothing more dangerous than frantically trying to put out a fire, or spilling an icy beverage in your lap, while also navigating traffic.
Do not put on make up, brush your hair or tie your tie. Think about it. It’s hard enough to do these activities without driving. How can doing them while also driving a heavy automobile during rush hour be safe?
Finally, put your cellphone out of reach. You might not have the ability to say no to an important telephone call, to read a text that you have been waiting for, to send a text, or to look up important information online. Keep your phone out of reach so you will not be tempted to engage in texting while driving and other smartphone activities.
At the end of the day,
Alaska drivers need to use common sense when driving and say no to all distractions. Doing so will avoid accidents, injuries, and the need to pursue claims for personal injury damages caused by unexpected roadway events. For further information or to schedule a consultation please contact Merdes Law Office, P.C. at 866.452.3741 or visit www.merdes.com.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do.
Source: Dummies, “Avoiding the Dangers of Distracted Driving,” Sarah Densmore, accessed Dec. 11, 2015
