National Distracted Driving Month: How To Reduce Harrisburg Car Accident Risks
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April serves as a reminder of just how dangerous a momentary lapse in attention can be. Every day, distracted driving poses hazards on roads throughout Pennsylvania and is a leading cause of car accidents in Harrisburg.
Take time now to familiarize yourself with common types of distractions. Our experienced Harrisburg car accident lawyer explains what you need to know and how to reduce your risk of distracted driving.
How Distracted Drivers Cause Car Accidents in Harrisburg
Being distracted is among the most common causes of car accidents in Harrisburg and across the state. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, it’s a contributing factor in nearly 14,000 crashes each year and leaves thousands of victims suffering severe, potentially life-threatening injuries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), driver distractions fall into three main categories: visual distractions, which take your eyes off the road; manual distractions, which take your hands off the wheel; and cognitive distractions, which take your mind off driving.
Texting is especially hazardous as it combines all three at once. However, other common forms of distracted driving that increase Harrisburg car accident risks include:
- Making calls or scrolling through your phone while driving.
- Adjusting navigation, music, or climate control settings.
- Eating, drinking, or attending to personal grooming behind the wheel.
- Reaching for objects in the vehicle or turning to attend to children in the back seat.
Even something as seemingly innocent as thinking about what you are doing later or talking to passengers can distract you enough to cause a crash.
Simple Habits That Help Harrisburg Drivers Stay Focused Behind the Wheel
Reducing distracted driving starts with small, intentional choices before you ever pull out of the driveway. To reduce Harrisburg car accident risks, follow these National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tips:
- Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb or airplane mode before starting the car.
- Set your GPS route, music, and climate controls before you begin driving.
- Pull over if you need to send a text message, take a call, or handle something in the vehicle.
- Keeping snacks and drinks secured and out of reach while the car is in motion.
- Ask your passengers to help with children, reaching for items, or other tasks that might otherwise divert your attention.
If you are in a car accident in Harrisburg and suspect the other driver was distracted, call the police immediately. Get contact information for everyone involved, seek medical care, and contact our Harrisburg car accident lawyer before speaking to insurers.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Experienced Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer
Distracted driving car accidents can cause serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., we help victims hold those at fault accountable.
Our experienced Harrisburg car accident lawyer knows how to investigate these crashes and gather the evidence needed to build a strong claim. To get the compensation you need, call or contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
nhtsa.gov/april-distracted-driving-awareness-month
pa.gov/agencies/penndot/traveling-in-pa/safety/traffic-safety-driver-topics/distracted-driving
