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Distracted Driving Accidents are Preventable

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It is easy to get distracted while driving. But the good news: Distracted driving accidents are preventable. By following a few safety tips, you can minimize distractions, stay focused, and help protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention shifts away from the task of operating the vehicle safely. Common distractions include:

  • distracted driving behaviors focus on the roadAdjusting the settings on your car, such as music, air conditioning, or heat
  • Checking your GPS
  • Eating or drinking
  • Using your phone—whether it’s for calls, emails, social media, or texting.
  • Interacting with passengers or pets, and more.

High-risk distractions include electronic device usage, drowsy driving, eating and drinking, and focusing on other passengers in the car with you.

Need guidance? Call our knowledgeable team at (877) 284-6600.

Practical Tips to Prevent Distracted Driving

Cell phone safety.

  • Turn off your cell phone. That means turn it off and KEEP it turned off – AND out of reach for the duration of your trip. No cell phone. No calls, texts, emails, social media, or apps. It is a simple thing that can prevent a distracted driving accident.
  • If resisting the urge to check your phone is difficult, try downloading a text-blocking app to reduce distractions. There are free apps you can use to block texts
  • Use your cell phone only for emergency situations—and pull over safely to do so.

Plan Ahead for Your Drive

Multitasking takes your eyes, hands, and mind off the task at hand, driving. Preparation is key to minimizing distractions, so plan ahead.

  • Take care of business calls before or after your trip, or safely pull over if necessary.
  • Set your radio presets to make it easy to make music selections.
  • Finish your personal grooming (i.e., applying makeup, brushing hair) before leaving home.
  • Make adjustments to car seats, mirrors, and climate controls before you get on the road.
  • Plan your trip. Use your GPS to plan your route and have it available hands-free to give you directions if you need it.

Avoid Eating While Driving

Eat before or after your trip but not while driving. Messy foods are difficult to manage, and it means you only have one hand to make quick driving maneuvers to avoid an accident.

Stay Focused on the Road

  • Limit the number of passengers you have riding with you. Ensure children and pets are securely buckled.
  • Actively scan the road, frequently use your mirrors, keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists, and have your passengers assist with navigation.
  • Be alert for erratic driving behaviors from others – drifting from their lanes, driving at inconsistent speeds.
  • If you feel tired or drowsy, pull off the road to a safe spot.
  • Practice defensive driving.

Take Your Time

Avoid rushing by giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination safely.

NEED LEGAL ASSISTANCE? We are here for you.

distracted driving accidents safety tips avoid distractions prevent distracted drivingCALL NASH & FRANCISKATO FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CASE REVIEW

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in which you suffered serious injuries due to distracted driving behaviors, having an attorney by your side can provide peace of mind during your recovery. Call Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600.

One of our experienced staff will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation review of your case.

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on September 20, 2023. It was reviewed on April 1, 2025, for content and accuracy and updated.

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