How Can You Prevent Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is known as one of the leading causes of auto accidents in Florida. Studies have shown that Florida is the second-worst state in American for distracted driving. Distracted driving is more like an epidemic in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the State of Florida recorded 48,488 distracted driving crashes in 2020. 2,747 crashes resulted in severe bodily injuries, and 299 resulted in fatalities. Such numbers indicate that a lot needs to be done to prevent distracted driving in Florida.

Defining Distracted Driving

Most people think that distracted driving is all about texting while driving, but that is far from the truth.

Distracted driving occurs when you allow anything to cause you to take your mind off the road, hands off the wheel, or eyes off the road. This means that distracted driving happens when you are distracted either mentally, manually, or visually. When you are texting, you need your eyes, mind, and hands; therefore, even though texting and driving is not the only distracted driving behavior, it is one of the most dangerous.

Florida Statute 316.305

In an effort to reduce the number of accidents happening due to the distracted behavior of texting while driving, Florida introduced the “Wireless Communication While Driving Law.” According to Florida Statute 316.305, a motorist is not supposed to operate a vehicle while typing symbols, numbers, or letters or while reading or sending data on their wireless device. A law enforcer has the right to stop a motorist and issue a citation if they see them texting, instant messaging, or e-mailing while driving.

Other Distracted Driving Behaviors

Other forms of distracted driving behaviors include;

• Eating while driving
• Daydreaming while driving
• Checking the GPS while driving
• Grooming oneself while driving
• Interacting with or tending to passengers in the back seat while driving

Preventing Distracted Driving

Prevent distracted driving by following these tips:

• Place your device somewhere out of reach and only use it in emergencies.
• Pullover and stop if you need to use your phone.
• Limit the level of activity in your car. For example, avoid conversing too much with passengers in the back seat.
• Do not eat while driving. Instead, eat before or after a trip.
• Do not fall for the myth of multitasking. If another task demands your attention while you’re driving, pull over, and stop before handling the task.
• As a passenger, speak up against distracted driving.
• As a parent, educate your teen about the dangers of distracted driving.
• Adjust seats, lights, and controls before you begin driving. If you have to make any adjustments after you’ve started driving, pull over to a safe spot and make the adjustments.

A Miami Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You

If, despite your efforts, someone else’s negligence leads to an accident that causes you severe injuries, you may be eligible for compensatory damages. Our Miami personal injury attorneys at the Pendas Law Firm can help you seek compensation from the motorist who was driving while distracted at the time of your accident. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Jacksonville, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Tampa, Bradenton, and Daytona Beach areas.

Resources:

sun-sentinel.com/news/transportation/fl-reg-florida-second-most-distracted-20170412-story.html

flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/distracted-driving/distracted-driving-crash-dashboard/