Distracted Driving Awareness Month: Safety Tips

In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton is sharing tips on how to stay safe on the road. Even when you do everything right, you can’t control other drivers. If you were hurt in this type of crash, our Birmingham car accident lawyers can help you file a claim for compensation.

Distracted Driving 101

Distracted driving claimed 2,841 lives in the U.S. in 2018. When you’re on the road, even a short lapse in concentration can have deadly consequences. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

Distractions can be anything that leads a driver to take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their mind off the task of driving.

Here are some common distractions:

• Talking on a cell phone
• Texting
• Talking to people in the vehicle
• Eating and drinking
• Adjusting the navigation system
• Changing radio stations or CDs

Safety Tips for Preventing Distracted Driving

It can be easy to become distracted, even if you don’t mean to. The NHTSA offers these recommendations for preventing distracted driving:

• Pull over and park your car in a safe location if you need to send or read a text.
• Make your passenger your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
• Don’t scroll through social media or send messages while driving.
• If you struggle with the urge to text and drive, put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat until you arrive at your destination.
• If you’re riding with a driver who is distracted, remind them to focus.
• Ask your friends to join you in pledging not to drive distracted.
• Share your pledge on social media to spread the word—#JustDrive.

What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Distracted Driving Accident

Taking the right steps after being involved in a distracted driving accident can help with your compensation claim.

Even if the accident is minor, it’s important to call the police so they can come to review the scene. The police report will be important in proving the other driver was distracted.

Be sure to get the other driver’s insurance information. If you can do so safely, take photos of the cars and the accident scene.

Some injuries may not be obvious, so you should go to the hospital to get checked out, as soon as possible following the incident. It’s important to seek medical attention in case of concussion or other internal injuries that are not immediately apparent.

It’s also important to contact an experienced Birmingham car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney will contact the insurance companies to make sure your claim is filed. They can also start gathering the evidence to prove your case so you can recover damages.

Damages victims of a distracted driving accident can claim include, but are not limited to:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

As an experienced and nationally recognized personal injury law firm, we have the skills and resources to provide you the aggressive representation you need and deserve.

Contact Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton

If you were hurt because of a distracted driver, you could be faced with expensive medical bills, car repair costs, and lost wages from time off work. Our team at Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton can help you recover the compensation you deserve for all your injuries and expenses.

Our firm has been in business for more than 130 years and is one of the best injury law firms nationwide. We will fight for your rights in settlement negotiations and in court if necessary. Call 800-568-5330 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.