How to Combat Distracted Driving in Charlotte

Distracted driving continues to be a serious problem in Charlotte and throughout the United States. It is often responsible for life-threatening injuries and fatalities, making it important to prevent as much as possible.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident that was caused by a distracted driver, it is in your best interest to consult our experienced Charlotte car accident lawyers at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys. We may be able to help you secure fair and full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today at (980) 237-4579 to schedule a free consultation of your case.

Tips on Preventing Distracted Driving

There are many ways you can avoid distractions while behind the wheel and keep yourself and other motorists safe, including:

Put your phone away.

Phone usage while driving is a common distracted driving behavior. When you receive a text or call, it can be tempting to answer, even if you’re behind the wheel. In addition, it may be difficult to resist the urge to check your email or social media outlets when you’re at a red light or in standstill traffic.

The reality is that even one second of phone usage during driving puts you at risk of causing a serious accident. Get into the habit of making calls and sending texts before you begin driving, and placing your phone in your trunk or in another area of your car that you can’t easily reach.

Download a distracted driving app – ¬before you get into your car.

Since distracted driving has become such a major issue, there are apps that have been created in order to encourage drivers to refrain from this act. Consider downloading a distracted driving app, or employing the use of the “Do Not Disturb” tool on many devices. Doing so will let anyone who is calling or texting you know that you are driving, unavailable at the moment, and will get back to them soon.

Speak up.

While you can control your own actions as a driver, you may not be able to control what other people do. However, if you are a passenger in a car and notice the driver is texting, eating, drinking, fumbling with their radio controls, or engaging in any other type of distracted behavior, don’t be afraid to speak up and tell them to stop. It may just change their behavior and save lives.

Leave early.

If you lead a busy life, you may engage in distracted driving because you’re simply running late and didn’t have time to eat breakfast, brush your hair, or check your email before you hit the road. You may be trying to do these things while driving yourself to work or another destination.

While multi-tasking may seem like a good idea, it can be very dangerous, especially when the operation of a motor vehicle is involved. Try to wake up earlier or leave earlier so that you don’t have to multitask.

Designate a co-pilot.

Rather than trying to figure out your GPS system or find your favorite radio station when you’re driving, ask your front seat passenger to take care of this for you. Designate them as your “co-pilot,” and allow them to take care of anything you need until you are parked or at your destination. If you’re driving alone, be sure to map out destinations and figure out your radio settings before your trip.

Contact a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer for Help

If you’ve sustained an injury in a crash that was caused by a driver who was texting, eating, or engaging in any other type of distracted behavior, call Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys as soon as possible. We can inform you of your legal options and ensure your rights remain protected, should you decide to pursue a claim or lawsuit. Call us today at (980) 237-4579, or our online contact form to schedule a free consultation of your case.