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A driver uses a smartphone while steering a vehicle, showcasing distracted driving risks.

Distracted Driving

By Victor Sordillo

Driving, as an activity, is dangerous for the driver, passengers and the public.  Everyone knows someone who has been in a car or truck accident and may have been in one themselves.  Based on police department records, the US Department of Transportation reports have traffic accidents slightly down from 2021 to 2022 to just under six million with almost 40,000 fatalities.

Distracted driving has always been a significant factor in accidents but is becoming a greater threat with the use of cell phones.  Eating while driving, reaching in the back seat, changing stations on the radio or disciplining children are some traditional distractions but cell phones have become a universal distraction. They take your mind off the road through conversation and can take your hands off the steering wheel for texting or dialing.  According to a paper from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “researchers have consistently linked texting or otherwise manipulating a cellphone to increased risk. Some studies, but not all, have found that talking on a cellphone also increases crash risk.”

Some best practices are as follows:

  • Before you engage your car out of Park, adjust your seat, mirrors and radio
  • Clean your windshield
  • Put away your phone and set on Driving Mode or Do Not Disturb
  • Set and review your travel path
  • Secure your children in their seats
  • Ensure passengers have their seatbelts on
  • Put away food
  • Secure pets in harnesses or crates
  • Pull over SAFELY for any distractions if necessary

 

Disclaimer

The information contained herein is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal and/or other professional advisors. Some of the information, examples and suggestions presented in this material may be compiled by third-party sources we consider to be reliable; however, we do not guarantee and are not responsible for the accuracy of such information. We assume no duty in contract, tort, or otherwise in connection with this publication and expressly disclaim, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any liability in connection with this publication. Verita CSG, Inc. does not undertake to update the information included herein after the date of publication. Accordingly, readers should be aware that certain content may have changed since the date of this publication.

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