Family vacations can be a great opportunity to spend some quality time together, but driving to and from your destination can sometimes be a challenge. It’s easy to get distracted driving when the kids need attention from the backseat, your cell phone is buzzing, or you’re suddenly not sure of which exit to take.
The Phoenix car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe want to help keep your attention on the road so you can reach your destination safely and avoid becoming a statistic. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,522 lives were claimed during distracted driving accidents in 2021.
You can help ensure a safe and enjoyable family vacation in Arizona by avoiding these common forms of driver distractions.
Plan Ahead for Your Kids
Keep snacks, drinks, and entertainment items within easy reach of kids in the backseat. This can include books, games, movies, or other activities that they can do in the back seat.
That way, you won’t deal with requests for items every few minutes. You also won’t be tempted to try to reach back for something while you’re driving. If they do need something, wait until the nearest exit and pull over.
Prepare What You’ll Need
Be sure to get everything ready before you go. This includes programming your navigation system, and having your sunglasses and any other essentials close by. Finally, adjust the seats, mirrors, climate controls, and sound system before starting the car.
Secure Loose Items
Before you begin your road trip, it is important to check the security of everything in your vehicle. Make sure all items are safely secured so they won’t move around or fall to the floor while you’re driving.
If something does drop to the floor, it can be a major distraction. Attempting to reach down and retrieve the item while you are still driving can be very dangerous. Pull over and take the time to safely pick up the item when it is safe to do so.
Eliminate Electronic Distractions
Don’t use your cell phone while you’re driving. This is a good policy to follow anywhere, but particularly in states or communities with cell phone laws. In Arizona, for example, you can face civil penalties and/or criminal penalties if you are found to be using a stand-alone electronic device while driving, unless the device is in hands-free mode.
Enlist the Help of Another Adult
If you’re traveling with another adult, enlist his or her help. Passengers can tend to zone out or fall asleep on longer drives, so make sure to ask them to serve as another set of eyes and hands. They can also help you stay awake and alert, in addition to helping you drive distraction-free.
Contact Our Phoenix Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
By staying focused on the road and avoiding distractions, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for you and your family. However, if you are injured in an Arizona car accident because of a distracted driver, contact Lerner and Rowe.
Our Phoenix car accident attorneys offer free consultations to help you decide whether to pursue legal actions against a distracted driver. You can benefit from our compassion, commitment, and reputation for getting results. Call 602-977-1900, contact us via LiveChat, or share your details with us 24/7 via a convenient FREE online form.