Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded 2,841 deaths from auto accidents caused by distracted driving. While many people equate distracted driving with texting teenagers, the truth is, distracted driving poses a substantial risk to everyone on the road. Among those killed in distracted driving collisions last year throughout the U.S., 1,730

Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded 2,841 deaths from auto accidents caused by distracted driving.

While many people equate distracted driving with texting teenagers, the truth is, distracted driving poses a substantial risk to everyone on the road.

Among those killed in distracted driving collisions last year throughout the U.S., 1,730 were drivers, 605 were passengers, 400 were pedestrians and 77 were bicyclists.

Certainly, cellphone usage and in-car technology play a large role in distracted driving, but the act of multitasking behind the wheel can increase the overall danger to everyone on our roadways.

At the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane, our Las Cruces New Mexico personal injury attorneys know that while technologically advanced vehicles have made significant strides in collision prevention, drivers can still be overwhelmed by their Bluetooth connections, GPS data, and even climate control options that can cause them to take their attention off the road.

Unfortunately, it only takes a second for a catastrophic accident to occur.

Understanding Distracted Driving in Las Cruces, New Mexico

Distracted driving occurs in one of three forms, including:

• Cognitive: Attention is taken away from the road
• Manual: Hands lose contact with the steering wheel
• Visual: Eyes are removed from the road and surrounding drivers

Common distracted driving examples include:

• Talking with passengers
• Talking or texting on a cellphone
• Programming GPS coordinates while moving
• Eating and drinking
• Searching for something within the vehicle while it is moving
• Using in-car technology options
• Daydreaming
• Grooming

Preventing Distracted Driving in Las Cruces Is Easier Than You Think

Technology certainly lends itself to distraction, but vehicle manufacturers, insurance companies, app designers, and driver safety advocates are focusing on creating tech-related solutions.

That can include technology that alerts the driver when their eyes leave the road or when their driving patterns include speeding or excessive braking.

No matter the number of safety options available, driver behavior and personal choices remain more important to driver safety than apps and technology.

Here are a few tips to keep you, your family, and others sharing the roadways safe:

• Turn your phone to silent or completely off before storing it in a safe location where it is out of reach
• Avoid potentially distracting tasks by setting the music, temperature, or GPS location before you pull onto the roadway
• Pull safely off the road and into a parking lot or a convenient shoulder before attempting any task that will take your attention off the road
• Do not use non-essential features or in-vehicle touchscreens while driving
• Ensure children, passengers, or pets are safely secured before putting the vehicle in drive
• Alert all passengers to your focus, so they do not cause sudden distractions once the car is in motion

If you have been injured by a distracted driver, or have lost a loved one in a collision with a distracted driver, contact our experienced Las Cruces, New Mexico personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Samuel I. Kane, P.A. by calling (575) 541-3004 to schedule a free consultation today.