If you have ever gotten lost in thought while driving on a New Jersey road or highway, you have engaged in distracted driving. The same is true if you talk to a passenger while your car is in motion or if you use a mobile device while traveling to work. While it may be easier than you think to become a distracted motorist, it is also easier than you think to regain your focus while behind the wheel.
Take more than one route to common destinations
After weeks, months or years of driving the same route to work, you may be able to navigate it without exerting a lot of mental energy. However, this might mean that you’re at a higher risk of daydreaming or otherwise failing to pay attention to your surroundings. If possible, take a slightly different route so that you have to spend more time focusing on where you are and what is going on around your vehicle.
Keep your cellphone out of reach
Cellphone use is often cited as one of the most common reasons why motorists are distracted. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to keep your phone in your purse, in the backseat or in another location that is hard to access while driving.
Don’t drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol may increase your risk of getting into a motor vehicle accident because it becomes harder to control your actions. Therefore, you may have difficulty maintaining your lane or understanding that you have to stop at a red light.
If you are hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Multiple lines of evidence might be used in a case to establish that a driver was distracted when a crash took place. These may include cellphone records, witness statements or toxicology reports.