According to the CDC, 3,450 people were killed in 2016 because of distracted driving in the United States. If that number doesn’t make you stop, then let’s consider the impact of distracted driving in Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis recently said that in 2016, 50,000 accidents happened because of distractions behind the wheel. In those accidents, 233 people died. Many others were injured.
Perhaps numbers such as these are part the reason that the Florida legislature passed and DeSantis signed into law a bill that took effect July 1. The new law treats texting while driving as a primary offense, which means that law enforcement can now pull over drivers simply for texting or messing with their phone while their car is in motion.
The point behind this law is to keep people safe. That’s also the point behind this blog post.
What Is Distracted Driving?
There are three types of distracted driving:
- Visual – taking your eyes off the road
- Manual – taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive – concentrating on things other than driving
Want to avoid distracted driving and make the road a safer place for everyone? Put these simple tips into practice to help reduce distracted driving in Florida.
Put Down the Phone
As mentioned above, it is now illegal to text and drive in Florida. Furthermore, beginning October 1, it will also be illegal to talk on a handheld phone in school and construction zones.
The best thing you can do to ensure everyone’s safety is to wait to text or make a call until you reach your destination.
Don’t Drive Drowsy
Driving when you’re tired is dangerous. In fact, if you drive while drowsy, you’re four times more likely to get into an accident than someone who is well-rested. If you feel yourself nodding off, be safe and pull over until you are no longer sleepy.
Put Down the Fast Food
We get it, you’re busy. But being busy is no reason to put yourself and others at risk on the road. If you’re eating while driving, you’re probably not paying as much attention to the road as you should. What’s more, if you spill something on yourself, you could lose control of the car altogether.
Don’t Multi-Task
If you have a long commute, multitasking might seem like a great way to save some time. Maybe you were running late, so you decided to do your makeup in the car. Or perhaps you want to pump yourself up for work with your favorite song, so you scroll through your music library searching for it. If you are not focusing 100% on the road, then you’re driving distracted.
Plan Your Route Before Getting on the Road
Going somewhere you’ve never been to before? Do yourself and everyone else a favor, and plug the address into Google Maps before you shift into drive. Even though mapping your way to your destination isn’t technically texting, it’s still illegal.
Are You a Victim of Distracted Driving in Florida?
If you were in an accident because someone else was driving distracted, don’t hesitate to contact us. The attorneys at RRBH Law will work with you to get you the compensation you deserve.