8 seconds is the average attention span of an adult. You could be driving along, start thinking about something else or glance at your phone, and suddenly find yourself in a ditch. Looking away from the road for even a few seconds could lead to an accident. Distracted driving is an epidemic across our country. The National Safety Council reported that 1 in 4 car accidents can be connected to texting and driving. There are 1.6 million car accidents each year because of cellphone usage while driving, which adds up to 60% of our country’s total accidents. Whether distracted by a phone, a friend chatting in your car, putting ketchup on your burger, or reapplying lipstick, you are placing your life and the lives of your fellow motorists at risk when you drive distracted. The Pantusa Towing and Recovery LLC team has witnessed these accidents firsthand. In most cases, distracted driving accidents could have been avoided through taking preventative measures and focusing on safety. If you have been in an accident, we will be there for you, but we would prefer you stay safe and not need us. Follow these safety tips to focus on road safety and prevent distracted driving:
· Mount Your Phone—Although Georgia mandated hands-free cell phone use while driving in 2018, there are many motorists who either ignore the law or try to balance their phones precariously. Many accidents have occurred when drivers have dropped their phones and gone after them. Looking away for a few seconds to look for your phone is long enough to cause an accident. If you are going to use your phone in the car at all, you need to have a secure mount. This can be helpful if you are using your phone as a GPS. If you can minimize the time you have to look away from the road, the safer you and your fellow motorists will be.
· Use Your Phone Only in Emergencies—Taking a cellphone in your car is wise as long as you are using it appropriately. If you get a flat tire or your car breaks down, you need to be able to call for help. When you are using your drive for catching up on social calls, you are endangering yourself and others unnecessarily. Many motorists overestimate their own focus and ability to drive while chatting on the phone or texting. Even if you are going hands-free, you will be more distracted when trying to talk and drive at the same time. Your phone may have a setting which automatically responds to text messages with “driving” to let your friends know that you are unable to respond right now. Wait on your calls and messages until later. If you must use your phone, follow the Georgia law, and go hands free.
· Avoid Cruising When You Are Snoozy—Your chance of an accident is greatly increased when you are drowsy. Approximately 1/3 of American drivers have nodded off or fallen asleep while at the wheel. If you are feeling too sleepy, pull off. Splashing water in your face, resting a minute, or buying some caffeine would be much better choices than driving snoozy.
· Decrease Distractions Inside of Your Car—Even if you are staying off the phone, a car full of friends could be just as distracting. Safety is more important than chatting with your passengers or jamming out to your radio. Evaluate your car distractions and determine how you can minimize them.
· Set Snacks Aside—Eating/drinking while driving has become a very common practice hence all the drive through food options and gas stations full of snacks. Eating and drinking in the car could distract you visually, but it certainly will require you to drive one handed. Driving one handed limits how well you can drive and respond to quick stops or emergencies on the road. The primary excuse people will use for eating while driving is saving time. Plan your time to budget a few minutes to eat once you get to your destination.
· Save Your Multitasking For Later—Driving should have your complete focus. Watching TV while you fold laundry makes sense but trying to drive and apply makeup does not. The risks are too high for so little reward. Plan your time and take care of your essentials before you hit the road. Your primary job on the road is to keep yourself and others safe through concentrating on driving.
If you have been in an accident and need a professional wrecker service, Pantusa Towing and Recovery LLC, can help 24/7. Stay focused on driving and stay safe!