Taking your distractions from three to zero behind the wheel

Car accidents happen all the time because drivers simply aren’t paying attention. But if you take actions to cut out your own distractions, then your alertness might help prevent a fatal crash.

Almost all fatal car accidents that happen in Georgia are because of unsafe drivers who are often distracted or impaired. It’s important to understand what causes drivers to lose focus behind the wheel. Then, from there, you can cut out bad habits to help create safer streets for everyone.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website lists three different types of distractions that drivers can face on the road, including:

1. Cognitive: Cognitive distraction happens when you get deep into your thoughts instead of thinking about the road ahead. Some common examples of a cognitive distractions involve daydreaming or focusing more on the conversation you are having with a passenger or song playing on the radio than driving.
2. Visual: When something or someone causes you to look down or away from your windshield view you are visually distracted. For many drivers, cell phones and in-car technology can cause them to take their eyes off the road.
3. Manual: Removing your hands from the wheel to perform an activity other than steering is known as a manual distraction. This can include having a snack, fixing your hair or playing with the radio settings.

Of course, there are also distractions that you can’t exactly manage, like when a passenger suddenly raises their voice or when you come across an accident scene. But distractions that you can’t control make increasing your alertness even more important.

You can actively choose to be more mindful on the road by always keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Putting a little bit of planning into your commute can help you do this. For example, if you take the time to eat your snack, finish getting ready, select your music, type in directions or make calls and send texts before you leave, then you can avoid getting comfortable with multitasking while driving.

Unfortunately, drivers can be involved in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, even after correcting their own careless habits. If you fit into this category of car crash victims, then a personal injury attorney can help you seek damages you need to heal.