Motorists in New York and across the U.S. know that distracted driving is dangerous, but a significant portion of them continue to engage in the behavior. Unfortunately, this has tragic consequences. In 2017, at least 3,166 people were killed in car accidents caused by distracted drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, there are some safety measures people can take to ensure they don’t lose focus behind the wheel.
For example, experts say that drivers should either turn off their cellphones or place them in “Do Not Disturb” mode when they get behind the wheel. This will prevent them from being distracted by texts or phone calls while the vehicle is in motion. They also say that drivers should avoid eating while operating a vehicle. Eating, opening food wrappers, and food spills can all cause drivers to take their eyes off the road, which can lead to accidents.
Drivers should also never operate a vehicle when they feel drowsy. Studies have found that sleep deprivation impairs drivers just as much as alcohol consumption, making them more likely to get into a car crash. Therefore, they should pull over and take a nap whenever they feel their eyelids getting heavy, start yawning constantly or have trouble focusing on the road. Finally, motorists might also want to limit the number of passengers that ride in their vehicle, particularly if they are a teen driver. This will help reduce the number of distracting conversations and noises going on inside the vehicle, which could prevent accidents.
Motor vehicle crashes can leave victims with staggering medical bills and permanent disabilities. However, with the help of an attorney, injured victims might be able to be compensated for their losses by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused the crash. People in this situation might want to meet with an attorney to discuss their case.