Distracted Driving in 2024: Prevention and Injury Help

Distracted driving takes thousands of lives every year. But you knew that already.

Distracted driving is not a new problem — ever since cell phones were invented, texting while driving has stolen lives. But talking and otherwise using your phone is not the only kind of distraction.

For Distracted Driving Awareness Month in 2024, let’s review what it is, how to avoid it, and where to go for help if you’re injured in a distracted driving accident.

What is Distracted Driving?

Did you know that any activity that takes your attention away from driving is considered distracted driving?

That encompasses a lot, so let’s break it down.

#1 — Visual Distractions

Visual distractions take your eyes off the road. This can include:

• Reading texts,
• Watching videos,
• Using social media,
• Looking at a GPS,
• and Looking at a vehicle touch screen.

Looking away for only a few seconds is the equivalent of driving blindfolded down the length of a football field.

#2 — Manual Distractions

Manual distractions are activities that take your hand(s) off the wheel. This can include:

• Eating,
• Drinking,
• Using a smartphone,
• Changing clothes,
• Doing makeup,
• Handling a dog/other pet,
• and Personal grooming.

#3 — Cognitive Distractions

Cognitive Distractions take your mind off of driving. They can include things like:

• Drowsy driving,
• Daydreaming,
• Loud music,
• Passenger conversations,
• Talking on the phone,
• and Dictating texts.

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Think About It:

Using a car touch screen while driving is a visual, manual, and cognitive distraction. It takes your eyes off the road, your hand off the wheel, and your mind off of driving.

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How to Avoid Driving Distracted

Distracted driving killed 3,522 people in 2021. It’s an often tragic but completely avoidable accident that steals mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters from their families.

You can avoid driving distracted. The NHTSA recommends these helpful tips to prevent distracted driving for yourself and your friends and family:

1. Put Your Phone Away — Struggling to kick texting while driving? Give your phone to a passenger or put it in the glove box.
2. Prep Before You Drive — Set up navigation or music before you drive. Review your route carefully beforehand so you don’t have to check the GPS frequently.
3. Designate a Texter — If you need to send a text during your ride, designate a passenger to send it for you.
4. Pull Over — If you need to respond to a text and you don’t have passenger, pull over to a safe location first.

Oftentimes, when you witness a friend or a family driving distracted, it can feel awkward to speak up. But it’s critically important that you do so.

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Try This:

If you’re nervous about telling the driver to stop texting outright, offer to send the message for them. Alternatively, you can point out the careless mistakes of surrounding drivers to discourage the behavior.

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Distracted Driver Injury Help

87% of drivers agree that their distracted driving habits would be disapproved of by their family and friends, yet 27% still engaged in the behavior.

In 2024, there is no excuse for distracted driving. If you were injured by a distracted driver in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Bills,
• Ambulance Costs,
• Doctors Bills,
• Missed Work,
• Lost Earning Capacity,
• Lost Benefits,
• Wrongful Death,
• Property Damage,
• Disfigurement,
• Loss of Earning Capacity,
• and More.

We can help you find out if you have a case for free.

Carabin Shaw has represented those injured or who have lost loved ones to distracted drivers across Texas for over 30 years. We’re a trusted name in San Antonio because we put our clients first. Call us for a free case evaluation today at 800-862-1260, or use the live chat to get started. We look forward to serving you.

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¹NHTSA 

²AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

³NCS Resources