Distracted Driving Isn’t Just About Texting:
Let’s face it — the morning routine can be a little hectic. With the kids back at school, it seems the family schedule has become exponentially complicated with school, work, sports, and club schedules, not to mention the countless errands required to keep a family and household running smoothly.
Multi-tasking while driving is a lie. We all think we can do it successfully, but the human brain can only accomplish one thinking task at a time. While it might be argued that applying makeup and drinking coffee are non-thinking tasks, these combined with the thought-requiring tasks of driving and engaging in conversation are a potentially lethal combination.
So, before you get in the car, please take a few extra minutes to plan for a successful day for you and your children as much as it depends on you. Nothing will ruin your schedule and your day like a car accident.
Hands-Free is not Hazard-Free
Many distractions exist while driving, but cell phones are a top distraction because so many drivers use them for long periods of time each day. Almost everyone has seen a driver distracted by a cell phone, but when you are the one distracted, you often don’t realize that driver is you.
New technology in vehicles is causing us to become more distracted behind the wheel than ever before. Fifty-three percent of drivers believe if manufacturers put “infotainment” dashboards and hands-free technology in vehicles, they must be safe. And, with some state laws focusing on handheld bans, many drivers honestly believe they are making the safe choice by using a hands-free device. But in fact, these technologies distract our brains even long after we’ve used them.
Make no mistake: This multitasking technology is about convenience, not safety.
Provided by The National Safety Council
Jeffery Robinette was admitted to practice law in 1991 and is licensed in all levels of state and federal trial courts in West Virginia. Mr. Robinette is also licensed in all state and federal appeals courts in West Virginia and the United States Supreme Court. As a National Board Certified Trial Attorney who has handled hundreds of motor vehicle, injury, and construction defect claims and a leading author on insurance claims settlement issues and difficulties in West Virginia, Jeff Robinette is uniquely qualified to represent your best interest.
