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Protecting Your Family From The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Each year thousands of people die and are needlessly injured because of Distracted Driving.

Not just limited to texting while driving, Distracted Driving is any activity that could divert a driver’s attention from the road including texting; talking on a hand-held cell phone, Bluetooth or hands-free talking on a cell phone; operating a navigation system; surfing the web; watching a video; operating climate controls or audio systems; eating or drinking; talking to passengers; or applying makeup.

Each of these activities has a tendency to take a driver’s attention away from the road which can be harmless if nothing unexpected happens.  But, if the distraction occurs at the wrong time, like when traffic slows suddenly or when a pedestrian tries to cross the road in your path, disaster can strike.

In 2018 alone 2,841 people died due to Distracted Driving.

Texting while driving is considered the greatest distraction and is dangerous because it requires visual, manual and cognitive attention from the driver. Each text on average takes 5 seconds during which your eyes are not on the road and at 55 mph, your car will travel the length of a football filed.

Studies have shown that hands-free cell phone use is marginally safer than hand-held use, but it is still a potentially dangerous activity.

Here are three ways to keep your family safe from the dangers of Distracted Driving:

• Discuss the topic of Distracted Driving at the dinner table periodically

• Establish and enforce cell phone rules within your family

• Set a good example for your children through your own actions

Tim Rayne is a Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  Tim practices with the full-service law firm MacElree Harvey and has law offices in Kennett Square, West Chester and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  For over 25 years, Tim has been helping injured accident victims understand their legal rights and receive fair compensation from insurance companies.  Tim offers Free Consultations and is available for both in-person and virtual meetings via Facetime or Zoom.  Contact Tim at 610-840-0124 or trayne@macelree.com or check out Tim’s website at www.timraynelaw.com.  

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