Reducing the Risk of Car Accidents

Posted on June 4, 2012 | Written By: iadminlaw

Driving is a task that requires concentration and constant attention. At times interruptions of varying degrees arise which can distract a drivers. Those interruptions can prevent the vehicle from being operated safely through the disruption of the coordination happening between the driver’s mind and body. Many drivers are unaware that all it takes is a single minute disruption with a span of less than three seconds to cause a car accident. Various people, including a San Diego car accident lawyercan offer advice to help reduce the chances that you may cause an accident.

English: Car accident in Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Distractions are classified as the following by the California Department of Motor Vehicles:

•Visual – eyes off the road.

• Cognitive – mind off the road.

• Manual – hands off the steering wheel.

Studies have determined that distraction is the leading cause of crashes and near-crashes: 80% being crashes and 65% being near crashes – all accidents and near-accidents occurred three seconds before the crash.
The principle causes of the accident were simple distractions such as:

• Using a cell phone;

• Reaching for a moving object inside the vehicle;

• Looking at an object outside of the vehicle;

• Reading;

• Applying makeup.

People who engaged in those activities were more likely to be involved in an accident or near-accident than those who did not.
It is better to wait until after the car drive to make the phone call rather than to make the call while driving. Hands-free devices do not completely eliminate distractions. Drivers who are heavily engaged in a telephone conversation can increase their distraction levels.
California law has it that drivers over the age of eighteen are allowed to use hands-free driving devices but are encouraged to practice precaution. When your telephone rings, you are encouraged to ignore the call and let the voicemail answer. If you are expecting a vital phone call, you are encouraged to pull over and make the phone call away from the road or creating any sort of hazard for those around you.

If you are hungry pull over and eat, do not eat while driving. It takes away from the all aspects of driving concentration, manual, cognitive and visual. Eating involves: chewing, swallowing, reaching, re-wrapping food, spilling, cleaning yourself and your vehicle. If you are hungry and must eat, give yourself plenty of time to get to your next location. Pull over somewhere and enjoy a meal where you are not a hazard to anyone else. An accident can be costly. And being in the situation that requires you to take time off from work and spend more time in the hospital can be devastating to yourself and your bank account. Contact a car accident lawyerto get you the compensation you deserve.

A brass statue of a man eating a hamburger in a food court at West Edmonton Mall. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)