Millions of drivers took to the roadways throughout the country over the recent Memorial Day weekend, including many people from Connecticut. Some people traveled across the country to visit relatives and friends, while others might have just traveled across town or down the street. However, regardless of the distance traveled, many drivers and passengers probably observed one type of particularly dangerous driving conduct: distracted driving.
By now, we all know the tell-tale signs when a person is distracted while driving, usually due to cellphone use. You’ll see the car ahead of you jerk quickly, stop suddenly or fail to actually move when a traffic signal turns green. You’ll see the driver’s eyes through their own rearview mirror, focused down at their phone instead of on the road. And the most blatant ones will actually have their cellphones held up right in front of their eyes while they are screaming down the roadway at 60 miles per hour.
We’ve all seen these behaviors by now. And, most people would agree that distracted driving is dangerous conduct that needs to stop. So, is there any way to prevent distracted driving?
A recent news article had a few suggestions. First and foremost, for those who find themselves especially susceptible to distractions caused by cellphones, a suggestion would be to get an app that can block text messages or calls when a person is driving. Such an app will usually inform those who are attempting to contact the driver that the driver is unavailable and will get in contact at their earliest convenience. For other distracted driving behaviors, the recent article suggested that personal grooming be completed before the car trip begins; that motorists eat before driving so that snacks or other eating while driving isn’t necessary; and for motorists to make sure to check their mirrors, GPS and music before starting the car trip.
These are only a few ideas for preventing distracted driving. However, there will always be those who do not heed these suggestions and will drive while talking on their cellphone, combing their hair, eating a hamburger, tuning the radio or engaging in any other type of distracting behaviors. When these people are distracted from the task of driving, they could cause an accident. In such accidents it is important for victims to hold the distracted driver accountable for the damages caused.
