At the Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston auto accident attorneys have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of distracted driving on families and communities throughout Texas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
It’s crucial to recognize our collective responsibility to keep our roadways safe. Distracted driving endangers not only the person behind the wheel but everyone else on the road.
Using a cell phone while driving creates enormous potential for deaths and injuries on U.S. roads. Last year alone, according to the NHTSA, 3,308 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers nationwide. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 484 people died in crashes involving distracted driving in our state—an 11.01% increase from the previous year.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Here are some ways all drivers can remain focused while behind the wheel.
Tip for Avoiding Distracted Driving in Texas
Staying focused on the road is not just a matter of personal safety but also a responsibility to the other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists sharing the road with you.
Here are a few ways to ensure we are all doing our part to keep our Texas roads free from distracted driving:
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Put Your Phone Away
Keep your phone out of reach while driving. Use features like “Do Not Disturb While Driving” or put it where you won’t be tempted to check it.
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Plan Your Route
Set your GPS or navigation system before driving. If you need to change your route, pull over to do so safely.
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Eat Before or After
Don’t eat or drink while driving. Pull over in a safe location to enjoy your meal or snack if you’re hungry or thirsty.
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Secure Loose Items
Ensure any loose items in your car, like bags, groceries, or pets, are secure so they won’t distract you while driving.
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Limit Multitasking
Focus solely on driving. Avoid adjusting the radio, grooming, or reaching for items while your vehicle is in motion.
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Take Breaks
If you’re feeling tired or unfocused, pull over in a safe location and take a break. Fatigue can be just as dangerous as other distractions.
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Educate Passengers
Encourage your passengers to avoid distracting behaviors and to help you stay focused on the road.
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Be Mindful of Emotions
Strong emotions can distract you from driving safely. If you’re upset, angry, or overly stressed, take a moment to calm down before continuing your journey.
Contact our Houston Auto Accident Attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm Today
If you have been injured in a Texas car accident caused by a distracted driver, contact our dedicated Houston auto accident attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Call (713)-637-4560 or contact us online.
Our skilled bilingual personal injury lawyers and support staff represent clients throughout Texas on a contingency basis, so you never pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so are we. Let us take the lead.
