In one of our most recent newsletters, our personal injury lawyers in South Jersey shed light on a worrying trend in distracted driving during the pandemic. The article explains how despite the lockdowns, records show that fatalities related to distracted driving increased by almost ten percent in 2020, based on preliminary data. This trend is distressing to advocates because it illustrates how society failed to reap any tangible safety benefits from having everyone stay home.
Defining “Distracted Driving”
The article uses the CDC guidance on what constitutes “distracted driving” as the best example of understanding it. The CDC defines distracted driving as engaging in tasks that take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off of driving.
Many people assume that if they aren’t using their cell phones, they aren’t driving distractedly. However, the CDC defines distracted driving in this way because pets, passengers, and other things occurring within the car — or even your mind — can lead to slower reaction times and result in a crash.
Understanding Personal Interventions
There are a few key things you can do personally to ensure your safety while driving:
The most important thing that anyone can do to avoid distracted driving is to ensure that driving is the only task you need to think about while operating the vehicle.
How Can You Get Involved?
While you must take individual steps to keep you and your family safe, you can help protect your community by spreading the word about distracted driving.
If you’re a teen, for example, you can model positive behavior behind the wheel while in the car with friends. While teenagers tend to be the most distracted while driving, they are also highly effective messengers to other teens in the circles. Further, they can also influence their parents’ behaviors when it comes to distracted driving.
If you’re an adult, you can use your position to model good behavior for younger drivers by focusing only on driving while operating the vehicle. Furthermore, you can also advocate for better education about distracted driving in your local schools and work wherever it’s most appropriate to do so.
To find out more about the rise in distracted driving, or schedule a consultation with an accident lawyer, call the Law Offices of Vincent J. Ciecka, P.C.