April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

The National Safety Council (NSC) is dedicated to raising awareness about public health and safety issues in the United States to reduce the number of preventable injuries that occur each year. The NSC has deemed April of 2018 as “Distracted Driving Awareness Month,” intended to bring attention to the dangers of distracted driving and help reduce this risky behavior.

First, it is important to brush up on the facts regarding distracted driving and review them with any young drivers in your home, as young drivers are more likely to use electronic devices for distracting tasks like texting and surfing while driving.

Second, the NSC offers materials for employers to share with employees, as many distracted driving accidents occur during the drive to or from work or on the job. These standards and policies prohibit distracted driving by employees to improve not only their safety, but the safety of other motorists on the road—as well as reduce the number of accidents within the scope of employment.

Third, the NSC offers an online distracted driving safety course to educate drivers of all ages and experience just how dangerous distracted driving can be. This course is designed to educate and change attitudes of drivers about distracted driving by highlighting risky driving behaviors. With these materials, the agency hopes to reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by distracted drivers over the course of the next year.

Watch Out for Distracted Drivers

Of course, you can reduce distracted driving accidents by keeping your phone put away and your focus on the road. However, remember that many other drivers around you may still be busily texting, such that you remain at risk of being injured in a distracted driving accident.

To avoid accidents with other drivers who are distracted, keep an eye out for any vehicles driving erratically. If a driver is swerving, drifting out of their lane, randomly slowing down or speeding up, or making other strange maneuvers, that driver may be looking down at a cell phone and paying no attention to the road. Give erratic drivers plenty of room and stay behind them, where you can see them and avoid a collision.  Avoid passing an erratic driver, because you cannot watch out for a vehicle behind you, and that driver may not be paying attention and rear-end you at the next stop.

If you are injured by a distracted driver, first take all necessary steps to get any medical treatment you need. Make sure all of your injuries are properly diagnosed and always follow the doctor’s orders when it comes to treatment. Your injuries can result in substantial losses including medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. If a distracted driver caused your injuries, that driver should be held responsible and fully compensate you for your injuries and losses.

Find Out How Our New Orleans Car Accident Attorneys Can Assist You

The law firm of Egenberg, APLC can help you seek the compensation you deserve after a distracted driving crash. We can explore your best options for financial recovery and handle every aspect of your claim, while you focus on your physical recovery. If you’ve been injured, call our New Orleans accident lawyers at 504-229-5700 or contact our office online for a free case evaluation today.