Talking to passengers, answering a phone call or eating while your car is moving are all examples of distracted driving. Driving while distracted can significantly increase your risk of getting into an accident. However, there are several actions that you may be able to take to keep your focus on the Illinois road or highway that you are traveling on.
Program your phone before leaving home
If you need to use your phone as a GPS, it is in your best interest to put an address into your mobile device before you start driving. In addition, if you use your phone to stream music, it is a good idea to choose a station or playlist while your car is stationary.
Don’t eat or drink in the car
Ideally, you’ll have your morning coffee before leaving for work or school. Alternatively, you should have it in the office or school cafeteria before getting started for the day. You should also avoid eating a bagel, cereal or donut while in the car.
Although eating or drinking while driving may seem like a great way to save time, it can make it difficult or impossible to keep both hands on the wheel at the same time. Furthermore, you’ll need to take your eyes off of the road to unwrap a bagel or take a sip of your drink.
Consider driving without passengers
It’s important to understand that you don’t have to have passengers in your car when you go to work, to the store or to social gatherings. In fact, state law may prohibit younger drivers from having passengers to minimize their risk of causing motor vehicle accidents.
If you have an injury in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. An attorney may use driver statements, cellphone records or other evidence to show that another person’s negligent behavior caused the accident. Motor vehicle collision cases may be resolved either through a settlement or in court.