April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to think about our habits behind the wheel.
Did you know that in Louisiana, 22% of people killed in car crashes in 2023 were due to inattention or distraction? Even worse, distraction was behind 32% of serious injuries in car accidents that year.
What’s even scarier is that these numbers might actually be higher since distracted driving is often underreported in accident data.
Many drivers don’t admit they were distracted when an accident happens, and sometimes it’s hard for investigators to determine if distraction played a role.
What Exactly is Distracted Driving?
When most of us hear “distracted driving,” we immediately think of cell phones. And while that’s definitely a big part of it, distracted driving includes much more than just texting or calling.
Basically, distracted driving is anything that:
- Takes your eyes off the road (visual distraction)
- Takes your hands off the wheel (manual distraction)
- Takes your mind off driving (cognitive distraction)
This means sending text messages is particularly dangerous because it hits all three types of distraction at once.
But other activities are just as risky – using navigation systems, eating or drinking, searching for your sunglasses, changing songs on your playlist, adjusting the AC, or turning around to deal with kids or pets in the backseat.
Even something that seems quick, like grabbing your coffee cup or changing the radio station, can be enough time for an accident to happen.
At 55mph, looking away for just 5 seconds means you’ve traveled the length of a football field essentially blindfolded.
Simple Ways Louisiana Drivers Can Prevent Distracted Driving
Pull Over When Necessary
If you need to send a text, program your GPS, find something in your car, or deal with children or pets, just pull over. Find a safe spot to park.
It only takes a minute and could save your life or someone else’s. Those few extra minutes aren’t worth the risk of causing an accident.
We know how tempting it is to try to multitask when you’re running late, but nothing is so urgent that it can’t wait until you can safely pull over. If it’s truly an emergency, find a safe place to stop your car first.
Use Do Not Disturb Features
Most smartphones now have a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature that automatically silences notifications when it detects you’re in a moving vehicle. Take advantage of this technology!
For iPhone users, you can find this in your Settings under Focus. Android phones have similar options. It’s easy to set up and can prevent the temptation to check your phone when you hear that notification sound.
Eat Before or After Driving, Not During
We’ve all been there – grabbing breakfast on the go or eating lunch while driving between appointments. But eating behind the wheel is more distracting than you might think.
You’re using at least one hand to hold your food, and if you spill something, your attention immediately goes to the mess, not the road.
If you’re hungry, take the extra time to eat before you leave or pull into a parking lot to enjoy your meal. Your car will stay cleaner too!
Secure Pets Properly
Our furry friends can be major distractions in the car. A loose pet might climb onto your lap, block your view, or get under the pedals. Always use a pet carrier, harness, or barrier to keep your pets secure while driving.
If your pet needs attention during the trip, pull over to a safe location first. No matter how well-behaved your pet usually is, unexpected situations on the road can frighten them and cause unpredictable behavior.
Prepare Before You Drive
Take a few moments before starting your car to get everything ready. Adjust your mirrors and seat, set up your navigation, choose your music playlist, and put your coffee in the cupholder.
Those few minutes of preparation can eliminate many common distractions before you even put the car in drive.
Read more: 9 Car Organization Tips for a Clutter-Free and Safe Ride
It’s About More Than Just Your Safety
Avoid distracted driving not only to keep yourself safe, but also to protect your loved ones and others on the road. Everyone wants to come home safe at the end of the day.
And when you make sure you’re not distracted when driving, our local car insurance team in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Franklin, Abbeville, and Lutcher can make sure you’re covered.
We understand the unique challenges Louisiana drivers face and are committed to helping our communities stay protected on the road.
Let us handle your insurance coverage and find you the best policy for your needs to protect you and your loved ones. Our expertise means you can focus on driving safely while we focus on keeping you properly insured.
Call us at one of our local car insurance agency offices to schedule a free consultation today. We’re here to help!
Recent Comments