Avoid common distractions while driving on Valentine’s Day.
Cherish the Road: Avoiding Distracted Driving On Valentine’s Day
As love blossoms in the air in February, you’re probably planning to spend time with friends, family, loved ones, or yourself. Either way, setting a date night or booking a trip is a sweet gift. Yet, as you rush or are thrilled toward your destination, spread love through driving without distraction.
Distracted driving is deadly, causing over 3000 deaths in 2022. It’s scary thinking that in a single second, your sight is off the road, and your life or someone’s life can be at risk. Therefore, packing up with knowledge for safe driving as you steer the wheels can be essential, especially this Valentine’s season.
This blog will guide you on how to drive safely this Valentine’s Day. Additionally, it will provide information on how to file a claim if you or your loved one is a victim of distracted driving.
For any questions about your case, call Carabin Shaw Law Firm to have your free consultation today.
What is Distracted Driving, and Why is it Dangerous?
Distracted driving is an event where you drive with your focus on anything other than driving. It can be anything that diverts your eyes, hand, or mind away from the sole purpose of driving. The most common distraction for drivers is texting or using the phone. Others include:
- eating or drinking
- conversing with passengers
- reading
- adjusting the music volume or changing the playlist
- cleaning or doing any hygienic activities
- Adjusting presents/balloons in the passenger seat
In 2017 alone, there were around 3,166 deaths due to distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Distracted driving made up to 10% of fatal crashes due to driver error.
These numbers only show how serious the consequences of distracted driving are. Drivers must take precautionary measures to prevent this from happening.
How to Avoid Valentine’s Day Car Accidents?
You don’t want to cut the fun out of your romantic moment this Valentine’s Day due to a car accident. So here are some tips on how to stay safe while on the road towards your date.
- Keep your focus on driving alone. Avoid common Valentine’s distractions, such as texting a date, adjusting the radio, keeping balloons in the passenger seat, or doing makeup while driving.
- Drive cautiously. Keep your speed limit to the minimum, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and stay composed and calm amidst the excitement.
- Drive sober. Drunk driving is illegal and dangerous. Although wine or alcoholic beverages can elevate a romantic dinner, it’s not a good idea to drink at all if you plan to drive. As much as possible, book an Uber to drive you and your loved one home if you plan to drink.
See also:
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
How Do You Prove Someone Was Driving Distracted?
Even if you’re diligent in planning ahead and avoiding unsafe driving, you can’t control other people’s actions. However, proving that a driver was distracted can be difficult. Gathering evidence for distracted driving is crucial, and hiring a personal injury lawyer for your accident can help.
Essential evidence for distracted driving includes:
- Mobile phone records
- Testimonials (Witness and expert)
- Police reports
- Surveillance videos
Cell phone records can be the key element to proving distracted driving in a car accident. This device can show concrete evidence that the driver was using it when the accident occurred. However, getting these records requires some legal processes. Plus, hiring a car accident lawyer can be vital not just in gathering evidence but throughout the entire process of filing the claim.
Distracted Driver Ruin Your Date Night? Call Shaw!
A perfect date night spoiled by an accident can be your worst nightmare this Valentine’s Day. If you or your loved one has an accident due to a distracted driver anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Property Damage,
- Missed Work,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We can help you find out for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our premises liability attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. We put our clients first because we care.
We look forward to serving you.