{"id":657,"date":"2019-03-07T09:30:10","date_gmt":"2019-03-07T17:30:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freedomgeneral.com\/blog\/?p=657"},"modified":"2021-09-02T06:49:18","modified_gmt":"2021-09-02T13:49:18","slug":"how-to-prevent-distracted-driving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freedomgeneral.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-distracted-driving\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prevent Distracted Driving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every year, thousands of people across America die due to traffic accidents caused by distracted driving. Thousands more are injured, and millions of dollars are paid out in property damages and car repairs, all because drivers are choosing to allow distractions to keep them from focusing on the road. It\u2019s a very serious issue that has become almost impossible to escape in our world of constant connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Have you ever had a moment when driving where you looked away from the road for a moment to tune the radio or pick up your coffee \u2013 and when you looked back up, a car had stopped right in front of you. You had to slam on the brakes or swerve to avoid an accident, and it set your heart racing for the rest of the day. If so, you are not alone. This is something that most drivers experience at least once, and it all happens in just a second. If you have ever been involved in an accident due to distracted driving, or are worried about being involved in one, it\u2019s not a good feeling to realize that just a brief glance away from the road can lead to such disastrous results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why we\u2019ve gathered our top tips for avoiding and preventing distracted driving. Here\u2019s what you need to know to stay safe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Defines Distracted Driving?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a part of the United States Department of Transportation, defines distracted driving as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system\u2014anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.\u201d (From www.nhtsa.gov<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, anything that stops you from putting your full attention on the act of driving can be considered distracted driving. Some things are difficult to avoid, such as needing to respond to a child asking a question from the back seat. But other things, such as reading a text message, can wait until you arrive at your destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distracted Driving Statistics That May Shock You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many statistics on distracted driving, because it is a far more common activity than you know. In fact, at any given time during daylight hours, it is estimated that over 660,000 drivers are using their cell phones while operating a car. Here are some other statistics that you may not be aware of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n