One of the most critical aspects of operating a vehicle is devoting 100% of your attention to the road. Unfortunately, many drivers attempt to multitask behind the wheel and cause deadly accidents. Many victims of distracted driving accidents suffer life-long physical, emotional, and financial complications from their injuries.
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, you should not be forced to foot the bill for your injuries. The experienced attorneys at Hilliard Law, have 36 years of experience protecting the rights of distracted driving accident victims and building strong cases on their behalf. When you retain our services, you can trust that we will fight tirelessly to help you collect compensation for the full extent of your losses.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving Accidents on Texas Roads
While it is impossible to control the actions of others, you can help prevent distracted driving accidents by mitigating distractions in your own vehicle. Below are five tips help to avoid distractions behind the wheel:
Save Your Cell Phone for Emergencies
Many motorists are tempted to text or talk on the phone while driving. However, these behaviors can divert your attention away from the road and other surroundings. If you must make a call, try to pull over safely to do so. Although hands-free devices are generally considered a safer option, drivers may still miss vital audio or visual signals and cause an accident.
Never Drive Drowsy
According to the CDC, a drowsy driver is even more impaired than a drunk driver. This means that drowsy drivers suffer from slowed reaction times and other symptoms that can cause them to be unaware of their surroundings. If you have difficulty keeping your eyes open on a road trip or other late-night trip, pull over to the right shoulder to safely take a break.
Limit the Number of Passengers in Your Vehicle
Unfortunately, a carload of rowdy passengers can be a significant source of distraction, especially for young drivers. In fact, many states, including Texas, limit the number of peers a teenage driver can have in their vehicle. However, this distraction is not limited to teens. Many parents may find themselves distracted by turning around to speak to their children in the backseat. To reduce these distractions, try to limit the number of passengers in your vehicle when possible.
Steer Clear of Eating While Driving
Amid the hustle and bustle of daily life, many drivers find themselves eating behind the wheel to save time. However, grabbing a bite to eat on the road can be deadly. Eating can occupy one or both of your hands, increasing the risk of an accident. If you must eat in your car, be sure to do so while safely parked.
Avoid Adjusting the Radio or GPS
While any car ride is made better by perfect music and accurate directions, adjusting your radio or GPS while your vehicle is in motion may lead to a severe accident. If you are riding with a passenger, ask them to take care of these tasks. If you find yourself alone in the vehicle, pull over to the shoulder to adjust your music or navigation safely.
Retain a Trusted Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Today
Even if you follow the tips above, you may still fall victim to a distracted driving accident caused by someone else’s negligence. If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, do not hesitate to call the award-winning attorneys at Hilliard Law. Our attorneys are committed to helping accident victims navigate Texas’ complex claims process so they can recover the maximum amount of compensation for their losses. To learn more about how we can help you and schedule a free consultation, give us a call at (361) 882-1612 or complete our contact form today.