24 Sep Top Causes of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents. Although it may seem like you can take your eyes off the road for just a few seconds to give your attention to something else, doing so immediately puts you and the drivers who are sharing the road with you at risk. If you do experience an accident, National Auto Collision Centers can provide the auto body repairs you need to get your car back into peak condition, but you can reduce your chances of having to deal with the repair process by avoiding these common culprits behind distracted driving.
Texting and Talking
By some estimates, cellphone usage is a factor in more than one-quarter of accidents. Texting behind the wheel can impair your driving as much as drinking does, and in many places, texting while driving is illegal. However, while texting gets most of the attention, talking while driving can also be a dangerous distraction, even if you are using a hands-free set. Although it may be tempting, driving is not the time to catch up on calls you need to return or to have an in-depth conversation with a friend. Leave the phone for when you’ve reached your destination.
Adjusting Music or GPS
Technology has made it easier than ever to have every song you could possibly want to hear at your fingertips, while also mapping out your route in real time. However, these activities can be as distracting as texting on the go. Make sure your attention stays on the road by creating playlists pre-trip and plugging your destination in to your GPS before you go, so you won’t have to take your eyes off the road to find a song or map your trip.
Driving with Pets
Whether you’re taking your pet on a road trip or simply to the vet, it is inevitable that your animal will be in the car with you at some point. Make sure they are safely secured instead of walking loose in the cabin of the vehicle. It’s dangerous for you and your pet to allow them to walk around the moving car, especially since they can distract you from the road. Use a pet carrier or strap-in seat so you can focus on driving.
Even with your best efforts to focus on driving, accidents can happen. When they do, call National Auto Collision centers for everything from minor repairs to major auto body work in Tucson. Call our Grant Road location at (520) 623-4959 to schedule an appointment.