Distracted driving affects everyone: drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The results can be catastrophic, resulting in personal injuries, physical disabilities and even death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3,000 people lose their lives every year due to distracted driving. 

The Florida numbers are particularly dismal. The Florida State Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that there were over 48,000 car accidents related to distracted driving in 2021, which resulted in 300 people dead and over 2,700 seriously injured. Here are some other statistics:

• Distracted driving deaths in Florida are at an all-time high, with an increase of 12% over last year.
• Approximately 14% of all motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. involve distracted driving.
• It is estimated that 5% of all fatal accidents nationwide involve a distracted driver.
• The highest proportion of distracted driving accidents are caused by 15 to 19-year-old drivers.
• Cell phone use is directly attributed to 13% of all distracted driving accidents. 

What Is Distracted Driving? 

As you can see, distracted driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road today. But what exactly is it? And how does it impact your risks as a driver? In short, distracted driving is when drivers fail to focus their full attention on the act of driving and engage in other activities that take their attention away from the road. There are four kinds of distractions: visual, physical, auditory, and cognitive. 

Visual Distractions – Visual distractions are anything that takes your eyes away from the road. These distractions could be street signs, billboards, other cars on the road, pedestrians, local buildings, churches, restaurants, or even a sunset.  Visual distractions could also include your cell phone or your GPS. Things change quickly on the road, often in just seconds, so being focused on the road is critical for everyone’s safety.  

Physical Distractions – Physical distractions occur when you take one or both of your hands off the steering wheel while driving. This can include eating and drinking, texting, reaching for items that have fallen on the ground, or reaching into the passenger seat or back seat. By their nature, physical distractions reduce the amount of control you have over your vehicle. To keep yourself and others safe on the road, you must keep both your hands on the wheel at all times.

Auditory Distractions – Any noises that affect your ability to hear or otherwise take away your attention from driving are considered to be auditory distractions. They can include a phone conversation, a conversation with passengers, screaming children, ringtones, text notifications, or playing music at a high volume. Keep your music at a reasonable level, teach your kids about why you need to pay attention to the road and stay off the phone while driving.

Cognitive Distractions – Cognitive distractions happen when you divert your focus or attention to another task that requires your mental energy. Talking on your cell phone, even if it’s hands-free, creates cognitive distraction. Also, you should be aware that how you feel can impact your ability to drive. If you’re angry or sad, you may not be able to keep your mind on the road. Your reaction time slows down greatly when you are preoccupied. 

Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving

Now that you know what comprises distracted driving, here are some tips to avoid being a distracted driver:

• Focus all of your attention on driving. Be actively scanning the road and watching out for other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and road problems or debris. Watch your mirrors.
• Secure possessions that could roll around in the car so you do not feel tempted to reach for them on the floor or the seat.
• Make adjustments before you start. Get your GPS set up, and adjust your climate control, mirrors and sound systems before getting underway. Check traffic conditions ahead of time, and then decide on your route.
• Finish dressing and personal grooming at home. Don’t brush your hair, apply lipstick or mascara, or engage in other grooming activities in the car. 
• Don’t eat while driving. Either eat before you travel, exit at a rest stop, or pull over on a safe shoulder of the road. If you must eat on the road, avoid messy foods that can be difficult to manage.
• Secure children and pets before starting your trip. Do not try to care for them while underway by reaching into the backseat. Pull off the road if you need to immediately attend to them. 
• Put aside your electronic distractions. Except in true emergencies, do not use cell phones while driving – handheld or hands-free. Never use text messaging, email functions, video games, or the internet with a wireless device – even if they are built into the vehicle – while driving.
• Encourage your passengers to alert you if they think you are engaging in distracted driving behavior. Make safe driving a family affair!
• If something other than driving demands your attention, it’s best to pull off the road. Nothing is worth your life or the life of your passengers!

Contact A Florida Car Accident Attorney

You can control your own behavior, but you cannot control the driving habits of those around you. If you notice a driver who appears to be distracted, give him or her a wide berth and move out of their orbit as safely and quickly as you can. But if a car accident does happen and you or someone you love suffers personal injury or property damage, Searcy Denney can help you. 

Consequences of car accidents include significant medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. If you’re not at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for these and other losses. We have decades of experience helping people who have suffered from car accidents. Contact a Florida car accident attorney today at 800-780-8607.

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