Distracted driving has become a growing concern for everyone who gets behind the wheel. In Los Angeles, the number of accidents and injuries associated with distracted driving seems to increase year after year. If you or a loved one have sustained injuries in a car accident due to a distracted driver, car accident attorney Northridge recommends you hire legal representation to have help fighting for your rights while you recover from your injuries. You may be unable to dedicate the time needed to address the legal issues of a claim while tending to your health.
What Are Some Common Forms of Distracted Driving?
Distracted drivers in Los Angeles appear to engage in all sorts of distracting behaviors while driving. Among them, you may find people adjusting the volume on their radios, having something to eat or drink, turning to the back seat to resolve an issue with the kids, looking around at other cars to see what people are doing, breaking suddenly to gawk at an accident on the other side of the road, or looking for an address in their GPS, just to name a few.
However, the most worrisome increase in distracted driving relates to the use of cell phones. People seem unable to detach themselves from their devices and continuously check their emails, text messages, or social media, even while driving. They also send messages and talk and all of these actions call for not only manual distractions but also cognitive ones.
Sadly, the consequences of encountering a distracted driver in your way can be dangerous and deadly. It seems as though despite the many media campaigns addressing this issue, drivers continue to prioritize the use of their cell phones over the safety of those around them.
Can You Make a Difference When It Comes to Distracted Driving?
Everyone can play a role in fighting the consequences of distracted driving. Individually, you can pledge not to use your phone in any way while driving. If you need directions, input the information before leaving. Otherwise, stay off your phone.
As a group, people can also help. Here are some examples.
Teenagers
Teenage drivers are guilty of distracted driving as much or more than any other group. Encourage your teenager to become a spokesperson and to speak up when they see a friend texting while driving. They may also be encouraged to spread this message through social media and among their friends.
Parents
It is hard to convince your children not to text and drive when they see you engaging in this type of behavior. Become a model of the right way to drive and lead by example. Have everyone in your family commit to not using their phones while behind the wheel.
Educators
As a teacher, you can play an important role in spreading the word about the dangers of texting and driving. Ask the young people you are in touch with to put their phones away while driving and commit to helping others do the same. They may end up saving their own lives.
