There is a saying we all heard when we first got our license. Every parent was extremely nervous to hand over the car keys. It goes something like, “I’m not worried about you. I am worried about the other drivers.”

But seemingly harmless activity may be just as dangerous as other drivers’ mistakes. Distractions of your own can even be more dangerous than other drivers. Today, we are talking about the most common causes and how to avoid distracted driving.

Stay focused and avoid distracted driving:

We eventually get on the roads and learn defensive driving. But what happens when you cannot control those other drivers, and you end up in a car wreck? You have to pull it together and take care of yourself as well as your vehicle.

Sometimes, the cause of the car crash is not other drivers’ mistakes. It could be your own. Hundreds of car accidents occur in Florida daily. It is no surprise that modern cars reach high speeds. Modern advancements come modern distractions.

Most common distractions for drivers:

From time to time, even the most cautious drivers are roped into distracted driving. For example, adjusting the AC temperature, speed, and direction of the vents’ airflow can distract a driver for a few seconds. That is all it takes to cause a devastating car crash in Oviedo, Florida.

This is why it is extremely important to be aware of the most common causes of distracted driving. Here in Florida, Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law which went into effect July first of this year. Actually, Florida was one of the last states to implement such a law.

DeSantis shared that in 2016, fifty thousand accidents caused by distracted driving resulted in two hundred thirty-three deaths. Even though while driving in Florida drivers cannot text, they can still legally hold their phones and speak over a phone call. Of course, this is not recommended.

This is not true for school zones or constructions zones. Drivers are allowed to tap the phone to answer phone calls, but the drivers cannot hold the phone. There are wonderful mounts made for safe driving.

Most stores carry these small mounts for around ten dollars. This makes it safe and keeps drivers hands on the wheel. The mounts also make it much  less likely for drivers to forget they are holding the phone.

Once a cell phone is in a driver’s hand, it can accidentally trigger “cell phone muscle memory”. Many of us go straight into checking texts or emails when our phone is in our hands. So play it safe and put the phone away or on a mount.

How to be safer while driving:

Drivers are permitted to use a hands-free device. Bluetooth technology provides a convenient and legal way to speak on the phone while both hands are kept not the steering wheel. Take note, at least one year must be free of any devices.

If a friend sends you a text asking what time you will arrive at their house, wait until you are completely stopped at a stop light or tollbooth. It is perfectly legal in Florida for drivers to read or send a text message while the car is not in motion. However, if the driver is disrupted the flow of traffic because they are stopped and texting, the driver can be cited.

Although it is legal for drivers to use the GPS on a cell phone or other devices, this is one of the most common causes for distracted driving. Turn the volume up loud enough for your to hear before the car is in motion. Double check that the automated voice features are turned on.

These useful features allow drivers to merely glance over at the phone, or not at all. Obviously, this avoids a large distraction to easily distracted and safe drivers alike. Many recently made cars will have hands free navigation.

Try it out in a parking lot or in your neighborhood before test driving it on the highway. We hope you are more aware of just a few of common causes of distracted driving. It is our goal to help others avoid distracted driving. Stop by next time to learn about more distractions drivers must be aware of.

Come back again:

Thanks for stopping by! Remember, if you have been in a car accident, contact ProCare Health & Rehab Centers as soon as possible to make the most of your insurance. Have a safe day!

Staff Writer