Roseville PD Provides Practical Tips for Safe Driving
With the arrival of spring, the warmer weather finally returns, and more motorists are taking to the highways and roads. Distracted driving is a significant cause of traffic-related injuries, and the Roseville Police Department wants to remind residents that safety comes first. The Department shares the following data and practical tips for safer driving.
What is Distracted Driving?
Driving distracted is when something diverts your attention from safe and attentive driving. A spilling coffee cup, a ringing cell phone, or fighting kids: nobody is immune from distractions. When you mix a vehicle traveling down the road and distraction, you get distracted driving.
The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that:
- About 2,800 people were killed, and 400,000 more were seriously injured in accidents caused by distracted driving.
- Drivers admitted being distracted 30 percent more than a year ago.
- Distracted driving increases at night between 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm.
- Distracted driving was a factor in over 8 percent of deadly car crashes.
- Over 40 percent of high school students in the United States admitted to texting or emailing while driving.
- About 20 percent of injuries suffered in car crashes involved distracted driving.
- Motorists are distracted by their phones about 10 percent of their driving time.
Three Types of Distractions
There are three primary types of distraction. They include the following:
- Visual – When you take your eyes off the road. These can consist of changing the radio station, looking for items on the car’s floor, taking in the view, doing your makeup, checking your GPS, adjusting your temperature controls, and dialing or texting on your cellphone.
- Mental – When your mind is focused on something else other than driving. These can include daydreaming, talking to another passenger, road rage, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Manual – When your hands are taken off the steering wheel. These include adjusting your child’s seatbelt, eating and drinking, smoking, turning knobs in your vehicle, or searching your purse or wallet.
Ways to Minimize Distracted Driving
Roseville PD said complacency can be an essential factor in distracted driving. Many accidents occur near or around your neighborhood due to your familiarity with the area. However, the Department said there are certain things you can do to ensure you are driving safely. Below are some simple ways to minimize distracted driving:
- Keep your eyes on the road.
- Keep your phone out of reach.
- Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode.
- Pull over to read directions.
- Don’t reach for items while driving.
- Make all adjustments before driving.
- Avoid phone calls, even hands-free.
- Keep your emotions in check.
- Stay focused on the road.
To prevent driving distracted, the Roseville Police Department said to do your best to stay focused on driving as safely as possible. You will be in a better position to think clearly, more likely to see a problem up ahead, and respond more quickly.
Watch the YouTube video below to learn more about ending distracted driving and making our roads safer.
Roseville Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Roseville personal injury lawyer. Suffering a serious injury in an accident can be traumatic and life-altering. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a traffic collision due to someone else’s negligence, our experienced legal team can help you pursue maximum compensation for your damages. Call our law office at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our injury lawyers, who can provide you with free, friendly case advice.
Our Roseville personal injury law firm has served clients in Placer County and across the state of California since 1982.
See how our knowledgeable lawyers have obtained successful results for our clients on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photo by Alexandre Boucher on Unsplash
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