Distracted driving is not something that you should take lightly. Let’s get it out in the open – Canada has a huge problem of distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 80% of collisions and 65% of near collisions involved some form of driver inattention three seconds before the accident. America also suffers from so many collisions as a result of distracted drivers. To protect yourself from distracted drivers in America, take a look at BlackBoxMyCar.
What is distracted driving? Anything that distracts you; it includes:
– Using the phone
– Writing or drawing
– Personal grooming like combing hair or putting make-up
– Using the GPS System
– Reading printed materials like a map
– Eating or drinking
Why should you worry about distracted driving? Because of insurance, legal and safety issues.
Insurance
While a distracted diving ticket is treated the same as a seatbelt ticket, you shouldn’t take it lightly when it comes to your insurance rates. In an accidental scenario, where you are at fault and distracted driving is the cause, your insurance rates will be negatively effected.
Legal
While there is no law against using hands-free headsets in any Canadian province, the police have constantly been cracking down on distracted driving. At first you are at risk of warnings and fines. Alberta imposes a distracted driving fine of $172, while other provinces also have demerit points. Additionally, the police frequently conduct safety checks.
You are also at risk of being prosecuted for careless driving, and that includes a $1000 fine, possible losing your license and even jail time. However, if you find yourself the victim of an accident involving a distracted driver you might want to look into getting help with your case. There are a lot of information on lawyers you will able to find to help you with your case, and if this is something you want to pursue you might want to visit somewhere like this website.
Safety
Ultimately, you want to avoid distracted driving just for safety. Whether it is one or five seconds, you don’t want to be distracted at all, because an accident can happen at any second. Small accidents will lead to damaging yours and the victim’s vehicle, while the bigger and deadlier ones lead to loss of life.
Studies have shown that you are 23 more times more likely to get into an accident when you are on the phone.
If safety is not an issue, make it one now because it will cost, not just in terms of insurance and fines, but also life.
If you’ve been in a car accident that has been caused by a distracted driver, then it might be a good idea to get yourself a lawyer. There are plenty of lawyers out there who could help you get compensation for your accident, such as this Ft. Lauderdale Car accident attorney. Getting a lawyer involved will help you win your case, so it makes sense to get a lawyer.
How not to get Distracted?
In this fast paced life, it is easy to get distracted as we are constantly trying to multitask. You need to enforce some discipline on yourself. Don’t pick up the call or fiddle with the music player or GPS system. Wait for a traffic signal. If you have to pick up the phone, stop the car to the side and do so.
Keep practising discipline in the car and you will get better at it. You will save yourself an accident, a run-in with the traffic police and prevent your insurance rates from going up.