Florida car accident victims may be covered by Personal Injury Protection, but no compensation can completely eliminate the pain and suffering caused by an accident. Prevention is always best — and most Destin car crashes can be avoided. Keep your local roads safe by steering clear of these common accident-causing behaviors while driving in Florida:
Chat on the Phone
While no laws explicitly prohibit talking on the phone while driving in Florida, it’s best to hold off on phone-based conversations when you’re behind the wheel. Even hands-free devices can distract you from your number one objective: safely navigating the road.
Send Text Messages
Not only is texting behind the wheel dangerous, but it’s also illegal; Florida law strictly prohibits texting, emailing, or sending instant messages while driving.
Snapchat
Social media platforms provide new opportunities for getting into accidents. Snapchat Stories are just as dangerous as text messages; don’t bother recording yourself or checking notifications until you’ve arrived at your destination.
Wear Headphones
In an age of audio input jacks, there is no excuse for wearing headphones while driving. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while using headphones or a headset.
Adjust Your Playlist
Few joys in life match that of singing your heart out while driving. Unfortunately, your search for the perfect Spotify tune could place you and other drivers at risk. Curate your playlist in advance so you don’t feel the need to search for songs during your trip.
Eat or Drink
If you snack on the go, you’re certainly not alone; research from Exxon Mobil indicates that over 70 percent of drivers eat behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, eating while driving increases the likelihood of a collision by 80 percent.
Change Clothes
For many people, cars function both as a wardrobe and a changing room. It seems like a simple solution for cutting out a few minutes when you’re running late, right? Unfortunately, in the process, you may remove your foot from the brake or your hands from the wheel — and you most certainly will not be paying full attention to the road. Instead, find a rest stop or a gas station bathroom, where changing will be easier and safer.
Apply Makeup
A simple swipe of lipstick might seem harmless, but to apply correctly, you’ll need to take your eyes off the road. According to experts at Distraction.gov, removing your eyes from the road for just five seconds at 55 miles per hour is equivalent to driving the full length of a football field with your eyes shut.
Smoking
The stress of the road may have you tempted to light up, but it’s best to wait; not only could you expose others to second-hand smoke, but the distraction of lighting up could also lead to an accident.
Lose Your Temper
From traffic to construction, it’s no secret that driving can be frustrating. It’s easy to lose your cool, but it’s also extremely dangerous. Road rage can prompt you to engage in unsafe behaviors that you might otherwise avoid if calm. If another driver’s actions begin to flare your temper, take a deep breath and, if necessary, pull over until you can compose yourself.
If another driver engaged in one of the above activities, you may be eligible for damages. Attorney John Greene has a strong track record with personal injury law in Northwest Florida. Call 850-424-6833 today or contact us online to learn more.
