In today's world, distracted driving is a serious issue. The number of accidents caused by drivers using their cell phones has increased dramatically in the past few years. In fact, according to a study from the National Safety Council, "distracted driving" was involved in 10% of all traffic fatalities last year. This blog post will outline some tips on how you can prevent this dangerous behavior and keep your family safe.

Use Phone for Emergency Purposes Only

The phone is a very useful tool that can be a lifesaver in certain situations, but cell phones have also been the cause of many accidents. If you must use your phone while driving, consider using it only for emergencies and pulling over to the side of the road if necessary. This will keep both you and other drivers safe from harm. Also, when a phone must be used, utilize the hands-free feature. This will keep the phone in a place where you can easily see it and your eyes on the road at all times.

Familiarize Yourself with Car Features

Another tip to prevent distracted driving is to take the time to familiarize yourself with your car's features. It may be surprising how much you can do while driving without taking your eyes off of the road, like turning on lights or making sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up. Taking a few minutes before starting each drive will ensure that you are comfortable and prepared for anything on the road.

Do Not Drive if Tired

One of the best ways to avoid distracted driving is to stay well-rested. Driving while tired is extremely dangerous and can lead to all kinds of accidents, from minor fender benders to serious car crashes. If you feel yourself getting drowsy behind the wheel, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and take a quick nap before continuing on your way.

Keep Your Pets Secured

Pets that are not secured can be a major distraction to you and your passengers. They can also be a major safety hazard. If you do have pets in the car, keep them secured at all times. It may seem like this will restrict your pet too much or hurt it but there are many options for keeping your pet contained and safe while driving such as dedicated carriers with seat belt attachments, crates that fit securely into most vehicles, pet seat belt attachments, or even in some cases a regular harness with the car's seat belt.

Conclusion

Distracted driving is a very serious issue that kills thousands of people every year. If you are reading this, then chances are you have either been in an accident or know someone who has had one because they were distracted while behind the wheel. Luckily there are many ways to prevent distracted driving and keep yourself safe on the road. If you follow this simple advice, you will be one step closer to preventing accidents and keeping everyone in your car safe. If you find yourself in a situation where you need representation do not hesitate to contact a non-licensed vehicle lawsuit attorney.