Parents will do anything within their power to keep their children safe. Many of us feel as if one of the safest places for our kids is in the backseat getting chauffeured around in our eyesight, but this isn’t always the case. In actuality, distracted driving can turn a seemingly pleasant day out around town into a stressful and sometimes tragic event. This is why it’s important for every mother and father to understand all of the dangers of being distracted; both on their end and caused by other drivers.
Texting and Driving
Texting while operating a motor vehicle has become a huge issue in America as of late. As one accident lawyer New York based stated, “There are statistics to support this, and many states have outright banned drivers from using cell phones. At our firm, we have seen the tragic results of accidents caused by distracted driving.” Studies have found that cell phone use of any kind causes 28 percent of all vehicular accidents. Other studies have shown that a driver can cover the distance of a football field without seeing the road by just sending one text. This has led 39 states to ban texting while driving, but unfortunately, some people ignore these laws. As parents, however, it’s important that we don’t.
Children
Unfortunately, our kids themselves can become a cause of inattentive driving. Sadly, children make up five percent of all deaths related to vehicular accidents, but a recent study found that they actually account for 12 percent of accidents. The distracted driver behaviors related to kids included playing with, talking to, turning to look at, and helping those children who were in the backseat. Obviously, it’s imperative to avoid these behaviors while the car is in motion.
Other Drivers
Sadly, a mother can be as adamant about safe driving as she wants; this means little if a driver around her is sidetracked. Car accident attorneys can be incredibly useful in getting compensation for injuries sustained due to negligent drivers after the fact, but if proactive measures can avoid these accidents altogether, it’s obvious that they should be used.
The first thing a parent should do is distance themselves from a driver who they believe to be unfocused. A driver who is texting, swerving, eating, putting on makeup or engaged in any obvious activity other than focusing on the road could be a danger; so it’s best to keep a safe distance from them. It’s also important to stay visible regardless of whether we know a reckless driver is around or not. Traveling in someone’s blind spot can turn detrimental in a moment’s notice if that driver becomes distracted.
Rubbernecking
Rubbernecking is something that all of us are likely guilty of. Honestly, when something big is going on off to the side of the road, who among us doesn’t want to get a better look? This action, however, may be dangerous for us and our children. A study in 2003 actually found that rubbernecking caused 16 percent of all accidents related to distracted driving. Though it may be intriguing to find out what’s going on, it’s best to keep an attitude of “nothing to see here” to protect our kids.
Inattentiveness is a huge culprit when it comes to America’s vehicular collisions. Sadly, this statistic isn’t likely to change that much in a positive direction. While a parent can’t stop others around them from driving while distracted, they surely can refrain from the behavior themselves. Additionally, they can be prepared and vigilant about watching for other drivers. Taking these steps can go a long way in keeping our children safe.
Ieda Vincent is a mother and makes safety a priority when toting her kids around. She offers this article as a reminder to be cautious and aware on the road. The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C. can provide a skilled accident lawyer New York based dedicated to you and your needs. Their goal is to connect with each client in order to ensure they get the best desired outcome.
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