Did you know that July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month? When you think about cell phone courtesy, you picture turning your phone off at a movie theater or refraining from texting at the dinner table. Not using a cell phone while driving is a question of saving lives, which is a significant aspect of cell phone courtesy that goes beyond simply being an inconvenience.
Smartphones have completely changed and taken over our lives. Not only do they entertain us, but they give us directions, provide up-to-the-minute news, and help us keep in touch with family and friends. However, when you’re behind the wheel, cell phone use is another source of distracted driving, which can have deadly consequences.
Although it can be challenging to avoid using your phone while driving, it is a habit that should be developed. Follow these four simple suggestions from Lerner and Rowe’s car accident lawyers to stop using a cell phone while driving to show your support for National Cell Phone Courtesy Month.
#1. Use Hands-Free Features
As soon as we get behind the wheel, we should all try to put our phones out of our sight so we won’t be tempted to use them when driving. This can be difficult as we tend to use our phones for directions when driving. To reduce the temptation or need to use your phone when driving, switch to hands-free mode.
Luckily, newer vehicles are equipped with Bluetooth for wireless connectivity or Android Auto and Apple CarPlay so you can use your phone over your car speakers. Just because you use the hands-free feature in your car does not mean you can still be distracted by your device. If you are using your phone’s GPS, get the information entered before you hit the road.
Also, try to avoid engaging in conversations that demand too much of your cognitive capacity or stir up your emotions. This is another type of distracted driving. Also, maintain the volume at a level where you can still hear the sounds of traffic.
#2 Delegate Tasks to Passengers
If you are driving with one or more passengers, delegate tasks to them such as looking up directions, setting up the GPS, switching music, answering urgent text messages, etc. Be careful not to become so preoccupied while delegating that you fail to pay attention to your surroundings. If there is something that your passengers cannot handle, then wait until you get to your destination.
#3 Never Text and Drive—Even at Red Lights
We all know texting and driving is dangerous, yet thousands of drivers still do it daily. Yes, even texting at a red light or when traffic is backed up is dangerous. When you’re texting at a stoplight, you’re not looking to see if the light is green, scanning your rearview mirror for oncoming traffic, or scanning the road in front of you for dangers.
Many states have hands-free laws that make it illegal for drivers to manually send texts or hold their phone while operating a motor vehicle. Be sure to check state and local laws so that you’re aware of any fines you may receive if you’re found using a phone while driving.
#4 Turn Off Your Notifications to Avoid Using a Phone While Driving
Some drivers simply can’t resist the urge to check their phones. The good news is that most mobile phones allow you to manually turn notifications off so that you can limit distractions. Newer versions of Apple iOS and Google Android allow you to limit notifications while driving, so you’re still reachable if a family has an emergency or if you’re expecting an important call from work. Be sure to take advantage of these advanced features to turn off notifications or only receive notifications from your most important contacts.
Injured by a Driver That Was Using a Phone While Driving?
While these suggestions can assist you in reducing your own mobile phone use, there is little you can do to prevent other drivers from using their phones while driving. Victims of distracted driving accidents may sustain catastrophic injuries as a result of someone else’s thoughtless action.
You may be eligible for compensation if someone else’s use of a cell phone while driving causes you or a loved one to sustain injuries in a traffic accident. Call Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys at 844-977-1900 to learn if you are able to file a personal injury claim and to arrange your free consultation with an experienced car wreck attorney.
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