Women Legislators Learn About Distracted Driving
Women lawmakers from all over the country attended a Women in Government Conference in Florida. The conference included an AT&T simulation that focused on the dangers of texting and driving. State Senator Pat Pettey from Kansas noted that the simulation “showed her that it’s impossible to be aware of your surrounding while using a phone.” AT&T spokeswoman Karen McAllister confirms this sentiment noting that “most people know that distracted driving is dangerous…but still text and drive.” In fact, she notes that “more than 60 percent of drivers keep their phones next to them while they are behind the wheel.” She explained that as part of awareness campaigns to decrease distracted driving, she always recommends drivers keep their phones out of reach so that they can resist the urge to plug in and avoid life altering car accidents.
What is Distracted Driving?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration describes three type of distracted driving: visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel) and cognitive (taking your mind off driving). Texting while driving involves all three; to be sure, it is visual (you look at your phone), manual (you pick up your phone) and cognitive (you think about about the contents and a possible response). Since the driver is distracted on all levels it is easy to cause an accident. In fact, the National Safety Council reported that nearly 28 percent of crashes involve texting drivers.
Minimize Distracted Driving
It can be difficult to predict what another driver may do while in the road. You may also choose to participate in a simulation to help keep the road safer by then choosing not to drive while distracted. A few simple actions can help drive less distracted:
- Have a designated phone operator. Ask one of your passengers to manage your phone for you.
- Place your phone out of reach or place it on silent mode. This way you are not distracted by notifications and tempted to respond.
- Use a handsfree device. This option is required in many states and is a good option for staying connected while driving.
- Set up your GPS before you leave. This will help keep you focused on driving to your destination instead of search for directions.
Let an Attorney Help
It is clear that legislators are learning about the dangers of distracted driving. In fact, Florida legislators will consider revising Florida’s text message ban this year. In the meantime, distracted drivers will continue to cause accidents. If you have been in an accident with a distracted driver, then you should speak with an attorney. The Miami distracted driving accident attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. can help you with a distracted driving claim and ensure you are able to fully recover from your accident. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation.
