Distracted drivers have been a cause of many accidents. Many people, especially teenage drivers don’t understand how distracted driving can endanger their lives and others until it is too late. Studies show that teens between the ages of 17 and 19 are more than likely to test the boundaries of safe driving (Atkin Law Office). When people think of distracted driving, they think of texting and driving; but it is more than that. Distracted driving includes:
- Talking and texting on a cell phone
- Changing radio station and CD’s.
- Taking dashboard videos
- Crowding passengers in the car
- Driving faster than the speed limit
- Driving while drowsy or impaired.
Approximately 431k individuals were seriously injured and 3,179 lost their lives to distracted drivers. Although we should be concerned about all drivers on the road, we can only control our own driving. Therefore, it is important to keep our families safe by avoiding distractions while driving. This plan can help save the lives of other drivers around us and our family when we commit to following it.
No Texting While Driving
Texting while driving is one of the main causes of distracted driver accidents; especially amongst teenagers. Me and my family will not text while driving. We will all have a program on our phone that auto replies to text or calls when we are driving. That way we will not get any notifications while we are driving so that we are not tempted to pick up our phone. If we must text, we will park the vehicle in a safe spot and send a text message.
No Social Media
Social media is a big part of why drivers get distracted. We are so used to browsing the internet because it is entertaining. I have found myself browsing the internet while sitting at a stop light. Even when the red light turns green, I am still browsing on social media because it caught my attention. My family pledges to not use social media even when stopped at a red light. This ensures that we are not tempted to remain on social media while driving.
No Phone Calls
More often than not, I notice a lot of drivers on their phone. Some phone calls may be very important; such as a call from your boss or the caregiver of your children. However, it is dangerous to talk on the phone while driving. Whatever the call is can wait. That’s why my family pledges that in the event of an emergency, we will park the car in a safe location and return phone calls and listen to voicemail.
Passengers
The passengers in the vehicle can also be a distraction; whether they are young children or adults. When there are passengers in the car who is old enough to understand how to use a phone; they can be very helpful. They can answer phone calls and text for you if necessary. They can also change the radio, and help with crying children. When there are crying children in the car; it can also be a distraction to the driver. The driver can become frustrated in which can impact their safe driving skills.
My families pledges that when there are passengers in the car we will think about their well being as well. We will use adult passengers to assist us if needed. When there are younger passengers, we pledge to be prepared. For example, we will have snacks, toys, or anything else to help the children to relax on the car ride. If all else fails, we will park the car and a safe location and do the best we can to resolve the matter.
Never Drive Impaired
Driving while under the influence of prescription drugs, narcotics, and/or alcohol is very dangerous to ourselves and other people. It is important that when we are prescribed medication we look on the bottle to see if it will affect our driving. We also need to do our own research to ensure that the medication won’t affect our driving. We all know the dangers that narcotics and alcohol can have on us. It is best to not use any drugs or alcohol while driving.
My family pledges that under no circumstances that we will use any type of prescribed medication, narcotics or alcohol while driving. If we go out and become drunk or impaired by drugs we will call a ride sharing service to take us home.
Drive the Speed Limit
Driving the speed limit is also very important in preventing dangerous accidents. When we are distracted, it takes our brain more time to process. Therefore if there is ever and situation that you have to stop immediately; you risk the chances of getting in an accident. That’s why my family pledges to follow all state and federal laws by going at or below the speed limit.
Using the Radio While Driving
Using the radio is something that we all may do. We change the station and in newer cars are able to make phone calls or texts from the hands free device. However, it is still a distraction. My family plans is to only touch the radio when the vehicle comes to a stop.
Conclusion
As we know, distracted drivers can cause accidents that can result in serious injuries or even death. Distracted drivers are one of the main causes of traffic accidents. My family wants to make a difference by making a family plan for ourselves in others as a guide on what to do to prevent being distracted while driving.
References
https://ankinlaw.com/dangers-of-distracted-driving/
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