Common Driver Distractions that Lead to Accidents

    ORLANDO, FL, March 27, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Driving is a task that requires your complete attention, as it involves constant coordination between your eyes, mind and body. A driving distraction is anything that prevents you from operating your vehicle safely or forces your attention off the road. Driver distractions are a leading cause of automobile accidents.

There are three types of driver distractions:

- Visual: takes your eyes off the road
- Cognitive: takes your mind off the road
- Manual: takes your hands off the steering wheel

Distractions can take place inside your vehicle, which is under the driver's control. They can also take place outside the vehicle, requiring drivers to exercise self-discipline to keep their attention on driving.

Distractions Inside Your Vehicle

Cell Phone Use: Cellular phone use is at a record high. While it is common to use cell phones while driving, they can be enormous distractions, whether you are talking, placing a call or checking your messages. Sending or receiving text messages while driving is one of the deadliest distractions on Florida's roadways. While behind the wheel, it is best to refrain from using your cell phone. Check message and place phone calls when you are safely pulled over.

Children: Kids, especially when they are acting unruly, can be very distracting. Even if they are not fighting or upset, they may yell inappropriately, saying things like "stop!" This can affect your ability to drive safely. Be sure to talk to your children about appropriate behavior before getting into your vehicle.

Eating and Applying Makeup: These actions take your eyes off the road, whether you are looking at your food or applying eye makeup. Eating and applying makeup also requires you to open wrappers, containers and bottles, creating a further threat to your safety while driving. Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so you can complete these tasks once you arrive and your vehicle is stopped.

Dropped Items: If you drop an item, do not try to retrieve it while driving. A dropped item could become stuck in the pedals or lodged between the seats. Attempting to recover it while your car is in motion can result in catastrophic injuries. Pull over and stop your vehicle if you need the item before reaching your destination.

Reading Materials and Electronics: Books, maps, directions, and electronic devices should not be tampered with while driving. Reading material and electronics require attention that takes your eyes and mind off the road. Changing CDs and adjusting the radio are also distractions that you should be extremely careful with while on the road; it is best to use electronics when stopped.

Distractions Outside Your Vehicle

Accidents: Paying attention to other accidents (called "rubber-necking") diverts your eyes from the roadway in front of you.

Construction: Navigating through construction zones and detours can be complicated and takes a high level of concentration. Go slowly and look for obstacles and signs. Also watch for aggressive drivers who may attempt to pass or merge at the last minute.

Stop-and-Go Traffic: Boredom from being stuck in traffic can cause your attention to shift, and increase the risk of a rear-end accident.

Pedestrians: Pedestrian conduct on the side of the road can become the focus of your attention while driving. Be sure to keep your eyes on the road at all times.

When considering your actions inside your vehicle, it is easy to see the amount of distractions drivers are subject to. Whether distractions are unexpected or unavoidable, try to recognize how the distraction may affect you, and your ability to drive in a safe and appropriate manner.

If you live in the Central Florida area and are looking for an experienced Florida personal injury attorney, please visit the Web site for Orlando automobile accident lawyer Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., an attorney who is also a medical doctor.

Website: http://www.themdjd.com

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