If you’ve ever been in a motor vehicle accident in New Jersey, you know how important it is to pay attention while behind the wheel. Although there are many types of distractions, some are more dangerous than others.
Using your phone
There are many reasons why using your phone while driving is dangerous. For one, it takes your focus off the road. You may also be less aware of your surroundings, which can lead to accidents. Texting and driving is especially dangerous as it takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s enough time to travel the length of a football field. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,142 motorists died in 2019 as a result of distracted driving.
Eating and driving
Eating while you drive can also be dangerous because it takes your eyes and hands off the road. Even if you try to avoid distractions by eating foods that are easy to eat with one hand, you may still be less focused on the road. You’ll also likely take longer than usual to finish your food, which means spending more time with one hand on the wheel.
Grooming
Grooming activities, such as fixing your hair or putting on makeup while you drive, can also lead to motor vehicle accidents. If you’re adding the final touches to a hairstyle, for example, it may be difficult to keep your eyes on the road and see what’s happening around you.
Reaching for something
Reaching or turning around to grab something can also be dangerous. It may only take a second, but that’s more than enough time to change the course of your vehicle if you’re not careful. If you need something in the back seat, wait until it’s safe for you to stop.
It’s important to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving and take steps to avoid it. If you’re ever in a situation where you feel like you can’t focus on driving, pull over and stop until you feel safe to continue.