Using a cellphone, talking to a passenger or simply getting lost in thought while driving can all be distractions. Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons cited for car accidents in Georgia and other states. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to avoid losing your focus on road conditions.
Refrain from carrying passengers
If you feel as if passengers are a distraction, you should simply avoid carpools and drive yourself to work, school or other destinations. If you have kids, you should give them toys, coloring books or other tools to keep them occupied while traveling. In the event that an emergency arises, pull over to the side of the road before attending to your child’s needs.
Put your phone where you can’t reach it
Unless you are using your phone as a GPS device, it should be kept out of reach to prevent you from engaging in distracted driving. Even if you have a hands-free device in your car, talking on the phone still takes your concentration away from the road. Keeping your phone out of reach also reduces the risk that you’ll use it to browse social media pages, send text messages or for other purposes. If you can’t keep your phone out of reach, you can download an app that disables the device while the car is in motion.
If your vehicle is struck by a car operated by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. A financial award may be negotiated outside of court or given to you by a jury following a formal trial. A financial award may allow you to pay medical bills, recoup lost wages or make repairs to your vehicle in a timely manner.
