Protecting Yourself Against Distracted Drivers

We all know that remaining focused while behind the wheel is an essential component of good driving. Even so, distracted drivers cause hundreds of thousands of accidents each year in the United States. 

For those unfortunate enough to become injured or otherwise impacted by another person’s decision to drive while distracted, the fallout can be significant. In this post from Oklahoma personal injury attorney Tim Gilpin, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about protecting yourself and your loved ones from drivers who just can’t seem to keep their eyes on the road.  

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Whether you’re running errands around town or on a cross-country road trip, it’s easy to underestimate the risk of taking your eyes off the road for even a moment. Even excellent drivers who would never text while driving might be willing to risk a quick glance at the GPS map on their phones or a few seconds rummaging around in the console for some toll booth change. 

But every second a driver spends with their eyes off the road is an opening for potential disaster. According to the United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a mere five seconds is enough time for a car driving 55 miles per hour to pass the length of a football field — which means it’s more than enough time and space to cause a serious or even deadly automotive accident. 

Impact of Distracted Driving

The cost of damage done by distracted drivers goes far beyond medical expenses and car repairs.Taking into account factors like quality of life due to serious injury or even death, distracted driving cost the United States $395 billion in 2019. According to the NHTSA, 3,308 people were killed in accidents caused by distracted driving in 2022. In 2021, 644 cyclists, pedestrians, and other individuals outside of a vehicle lost their lives to distracted driving.

Men are also asymmetrically at risk of distracted driving related accidents, accounting for 71 percent of fatal crashes where distracted driving played a role in 2021. 

Distractions Behind the Wheel

In the age of smartphones, most people realize the risks of texting while driving, watching videos, or even looking at maps — even if that doesn’t stop everyone from engaging in these risky behaviors. But distracted driving can take many forms, whether it’s simply taking your eyes off of the road or trying to juggle manual distractions that take hands away from the steering wheel. 

Even cognitive distractions — anything that takes a driver’s mind off the road momentarily — can pose a distracted driving risk. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA),  drivers can remain mentally distracted for an average of 27 seconds after sending or receiving a text message. 

Any of these seemingly innocuous behaviors can contribute to the risk of a distracted driving accident:

• Eating while driving
• Adjusting the radio
• Changing the music on a smartphone
• Talking to or interacting with passengers
• Grooming one’s hair or makeup
• Handling a pet passenger
• Daydreaming
• Mental distractions or emotional distress 

The bottom line is that preventing unintentional injury or even death from distracted driving requires drivers to remain focused and attentive at all times while behind the wheel. 

Staying Safe from Distractions

Staying safe from distracted driving begins with making sure you’re distraction-proof. Keeping yourself distraction-free while behind the wheel is all about establishing good habits like these:

1. Plan your route before you leave

Don’t wait until you’re close to your destination to pull up Google Maps on your phone. Instead, look up the address before heading out on the road. 

2. Pull over if necessary

Whether you need to check your map or send a text message, get into the habit of pulling over anytime you need to check your phone, no matter how brief your phone usage might be. 

3. Use a playlist

To avoid the temptation to change your music while you’re driving, create a driving playlist you can hit play on before taking off for your destination. 

4. Set phone rules for yourself 

Just like you never get behind the wheel without your seatbelt, set a rule for yourself about phone usage and stick to it. That includes avoiding phone use at stoplights and intersections. 

5. Make it easier to ignore your phone

It’s much easier to break your phone rules when your iPhone or Google Pixel is within reach. Consider putting your phone in the glove box or console while you’re driving. Putting your phone on “do not disturb” mode is also a good idea.

6. Eat before you go

Whether you’re on a road trip or bustling around town while running errands, resist the urge to hit a drive-thru and munch on fast food while you’re driving. Instead, grab a snack before you get behind the wheel. 

7. Use caution with hands-free technology

Bluetooth technology and voice-activated controls are an improvement over texting while driving or manually using your phone. But it’s important to remember that your eyes are only part of the safe driving equation. 

8. Secure your pets

Using a pet carrier or special pet restraint will keep your pet from becoming an accidental distraction while you’re trying to focus on the road. 

Avoiding Other Distracted Drivers

Just because you’re a safe driver doesn’t mean everyone else on the road will be. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your passengers.

Always drive defensively

Even if you want to think the best of other drivers, it’s always safest to prepare for the worst. Drive with the awareness that it’s only a matter of time before you encounter a distracted driver, which means assuming every other vehicle on the road could be one. 

Always scan the road up ahead of you at all times. Maintain a safe following distance of three to four seconds from other vehicles. When conditions are poor, maintain even further distance from other vehicles. Rain, snow, heavy traffic, and any other driving conditions that could increase your chance of an accident are all good reasons to slow down and use extra caution. 

Be sure to check your blind spots and mirrors regularly, and try to stay out of other drivers’ blind spots. Always use your turn signals when you’re changing lanes or turning, and be sure to give plenty of notice to other drivers. Be ready to yield to other vehicles even when you know you have the right of way. Finally, use extra caution when you’re traveling through an intersection or changing lanes. 

Be extra careful around distracted drivers

Follow your instincts and employ situational awareness, especially when you’re driving in heavy traffic. Anytime you’re unsure about another driver, use extra caution and try to anticipate their mistakes. Keep an eye out for any potential road hazards, and always have a potential escape route in mind. And remember — anytime you see an unsafe driver, pulling over to contact the authorities could literally save a life. 

Signs another driver could be driving while distracted include:

• Braking late
• Speeding up and slowing down at unusual intervals
• Failure to use their turn signal
• Failure to drive safely within their own lane or drifting across lanes
• Slow or inconsistent driving
• Slow response to traffic lights

Oklahoma Distracted Driving and the Law

In Oklahoma, texting and using cell phones while driving is against the law. But no matter which state you’re in, all drivers are legally responsible for remaining safe and alert while behind the wheel.

Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, another driver’s choice to drive while distracted can cause an accident that leaves you with medical expenses that could even include long-term physical therapy and rehabilitation. This can also mean time off from work, emotional distress, and even a reduction in your quality of life. 

If you’ve been the victim of a car wreck caused by distracted driving, Tulsa attorney Tim Gilpin can help recover the cost of property, injuries, and even pain and suffering. Call the Gilpin Law Office at 918.583.8900 today to get the help you need and get your life back on track.