Avoid Driver Distractions — For Everyone’s Safety!
Know the Facts and Make the Pledge Today!
Distractions are everywhere and affect us all. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ), 80% of crashes involve some form of driver inattention. Below are five steps to greatly reduce the risk of an accident due to driver distraction, including a Safe Driver pledge to share with your loved ones.
#1: Focus. Focus. Focus.
Anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road, or your hands off the steering wheel is a potentially deadly distraction. So make sure to always stay alert and focused while driving and avoid distractions whenever possible. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the leading causes of distracted driving are:
- Texting/Cell Phone Use. Texting and cell phone use are potential hazards at any speed but zero. If you must communicate while on the road, be sure to use a hands‐free device or pull over and stop in a safe place first.
- Reaching for a moving object inside the vehicle. These common distractions include falling ashes from a cigarette, an insect, spilled coffee or other beverages, an unsecured pet among others.
- Looking at an object or event outside the vehicle. Examples include: an accident, a vehicle pulled over by law enforcement, construction work, a scenic view, street names/addresses.
- Reading. Reading books, magazines, newspapers, maps or directions are all distractions and should be avoided while driving.
- Applying makeup, or any other form of personal grooming such as shaving, hair brushing is yet another potentially deadly action.
#2: Expect the Unexpected.
When you are driving, the condition of the roadway and the behavior of other drivers can change abruptly, leaving you little or no time to react. Check your rear and side view mirrors frequently and be aware of your surroundings. You will be better prepared to react when the unexpected occurs.
#3: Teach Your Children Well.
Young children can be a dangerous distraction to you while you are driving. Teach them early on that driving is an important job and that you must concentrate when you are behind the wheel. Equip them with books, movies, games, or other appropriate toys to occupy their time. If you need to attend to your children, pull over to a safe place—never attempt to do so while driving. And always make sure they are properly secured in their child safety seat before you begin your drive.
#4: Educate Your Teen Drivers.
Before
your teen takes to the road, explain the dangers
of 
distracted driving and the importance
of staying focused and alert at all times. Encourage
your teen to set up their music
(radio, cd player, iPod, etc) ahead of time, to
always play music at volumes that are not
distracting, and to never allow passengers to
horseplay or engage in other distracting behavior.
Most importantly, instruct teens and other
young drivers to NEVER text or use a cell phone while
driving. Inform them that vehicle crashes are the leading
cause of death for 15‐20 year olds, and that texting
while driving increases crash risk by 23 times!
#5: Take the Safe Driver Pledge.
Make a commitment to driver safety and encourage other family members to do the same. Download and sign our Safe Driver pledge form today by using the link below: http://www.montlick.com/pdfs/SafeDriverPledge.pdf
For more information, visit Montlick.com or HelpKeepKidsSafe.org and click on Family Safety and Legal Tips.
Avoid Driver Distractions for Everyone's Safety is presented by Atlanta & Georgia Auto Accident Attorneys Montlick & Associates.
Distractions are everywhere and affect us all; especially when driving behind the wheel. Auto Accident Attorneys Montlick & Associates has been helping people injured in car, truck and motorcycle accidents for over a quarter of a century throughout Atlanta and all of Georgia. Unfortunately, many of these accidents were caused by driver inattention such as texting while driving, and using a cell phone while driving. We know the dangers involved, and encourage you to follow the safety precautions listed above to help keep you and your family safe on the road.