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How drivers, especially teens, can avoid distractions

On Behalf of | Feb 17, 2020 | Car Accidents |

Drivers in West Virginia and across the U.S. are seemingly becoming more and more prone to distraction. Whatever the reasons for this, it is clear that younger drivers in particular need to be on their guard against distractions. In a survey from The Zebra, 38% of respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 admitted that they text while driving.

Phone use is far from the only problem. In fact, there are three different types of distractions: cognitive, visual and manual. Phones fall under all three categories, but those that fall under one can be just as dangerous. Below are some easy ways to avoid distraction.

It begins with making the proper adjustments — adjusting the volume of the music, putting the destination into the GPS system and so on. Drivers should keep their phone out of sight, even if they are traveling a short distance. If they must make a call, answer a call or deal with a malfunctioning GPS system, it’s best to pull over to do so.

For teens, it’s especially important to limit the number of passengers. Conversations with more than one passenger can pose a serious cognitive distraction. Free of such distractions, drivers must then train themselves to be proactive behind the wheel, foreseeing dangers and knowing what their next move will be.

A driver will be guilty of negligence if they cause a crash out of inattention. Someone who has been injured may file an insurance claim, and they could recover damages as long as they are deemed less than 50% at fault. Any degree of fault will lower the amount they are eligible for, so in their effort to ensure a fair amount, a victim may want legal representation. If the other side is willing to negotiate a settlement, the lawyer may speak on the victim’s behalf.