Not everyone does their best to drive safely on the roads of Connecticut. In fact, as previous posts here have pointed out, distracted driving is seemingly more prevalent than ever before, and there is one significant cause: cellphones. Since cellphones have become so commonplace, there has actually been a reversal in the trend of fewer car accidents and accident fatalities that had been occurring for years. Now, the statistics show that the number of accidents and fatalities is increasing.
A recent report provided some important tips for drivers to consider in order to avoid distracted driving. But, it is useful to point out that there are more forms of distraction for drivers than just cellphones. These days, many new cars have “infotainment” centers, which can be just as distracting as cellphones. So, what is the safest way to avoid distractions? Put cellphones and other distractions out of sight while driving.
But, if that isn’t enough, some cellphone manufacturers are beginning to seriously consider how the devices they make are contributing to an increase in car accidents and accident fatalities. As the recent article noted, many phones, or apps for phones, allow drivers to enable a specific mode that blocks call, text and email alerts while the “driving” mode is in effect.
The most important tip may seem like an obvious one: When you are driving, focus on the task of driving. Distracted driving is not only a danger to other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians on and near the roadways of Connecticut, it is a danger to the person engaged in the distracting activity as well. Serious injuries and even fatalities are caused throughout the country due to distracted driving.
Source: abc7news.com, “7 On Your Side, Consumer Reports Have Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving,” Michael Finney, Jan. 11, 2018
