Every year, many people in California lose their lives or sustain severe injuries due to distracted driving. One reason for this is that distractions are everywhere. However, here are some tips you could use to avoid distractions when behind the wheel.
Plan your route before you start driving
Know where you’re going and how long it will take to get there. This way, you won’t be tempted to keep looking at your GPS or call people for directions while driving. Also, check the traffic conditions, and be sure to adjust your seats, mirrors and sound system before you start driving.
Don’t eat or drink anything while driving
It’s tempting to multi-task by grabbing a quick bite or sip of coffee while behind the wheel, but it’s not worth the risk. If you’re hungry or thirsty, pull over and take a break. Eating and drinking are two of the most common distractions for drivers, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Put your phone away
This one is obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning. If you want to avoid causing or getting involved in motor vehicle accidents, you need to put your phone away. Don’t look at it, don’t touch it and don’t even think about it. Keep it in your purse or car glove box, and make sure that it’s turned off or on silent.
Get organized
Having clutter around your car in places where you can see it is the ultimate recipe for distraction. It doesn’t take much for your mind to wander off when doing a monotonous task like driving. You need to properly store electronics and paperwork before you get on the road.
Keep your passengers under control
If you have passengers in your car, make sure they stay under control. Don’t let them distract you, and don’t let them do anything that could endanger themselves or others. It’s a good idea to keep kids occupied with games or other activities so that they don’t get bored and start causing trouble.
If you are involved in an accident where the other driver was distracted, you may be able to file a claim against their insurance company. California is a fault auto accident state, meaning the person responsible for the accident must pay for the victim’s medical bills, property damage and other losses resulting from the crash.