April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. When one thinks about distracted driving the majority of us think of “Texting While Driving,” however distracted driving is much more than this. Distracted driving is defined as “driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving.”

There are 3 main types of distracted driving:

  1. Visual:  taking your eyes off the road.
    1. Reading a text or dialing a phone number
    2. Checking your GPS or Map
    3. Using an App
    4. Checking on a child in the back seat
  2. Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
    1. Changing the radio station
    2. Adjusting the temperature in the car
    3. Reaching for an item in the car
    4. Applying makeup or grooming
    5. Eating or Drinking
  3. Cognitive: taking your mind off driving
    1. Talking on the phone
    2. Talking to a passenger
    3. Daydreaming

Distracted Driving is all too common and can have catastrophic consequences. Think about it, how many times have you been driving behind someone and wonder “what are they doing” only to pass them and see that they are talking on or looking down at their phone. Parents, how many of you have reached around the seat while driving to hand your child a toy, drink, food, or some other item? How many of you regularly eat or drink in your car? Unfortunately, we all do it and this is why distracted driving injuries and fatalities continue to climb each year. So we at Monsees & Mayer, P.C. are encouraging everyone to take the Distracted Driving Pledge.

                I pledge today, not only to myself but to those I care about, that I will:

  • Keep my eyes on the road
  • Keep my hands on the wheel
  • Keep my mind on driving

If we all take this pledge needless accidents can be prevented. Should you or a loved one be injured because of a distracted driver be sure to contact an attorney.

Category: Auto Accidents