Distracted Driving/Texting & Driving Lawyers in Anoka

Representation Following Car Accidents

Have you ever come to a red light at an intersection and noticed all the other stopped drivers have their heads bowed? They are probably not praying — more than likely, they are texting.

The National Safety Council reports that more than 700 people every day are injured in crashes due to being preoccupied.

The three categories of driving distractions are:

• Visual distractions: Anything that takes your eyes off the road is a visual distraction, whether what you look at is off to the side of the road or in your vehicle.
• Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the steering wheel to adjust the radio, reaching for your phone to see who is calling, or picking up that latté in the cup holder are manual distractions.
• Cognitive distractions: Does your mind wander when you drive? Have you ever been driving along and suddenly realize you do not remember the last few minutes of your trip? You have just entered the cognitive distraction zone.

Defensive Driving

Distracted driving is directly opposed to defensive driving. The categories of preoccupied driving are really habits acquired over your driving life. Just like any habit, preoccupied driving habits can be changed. Changing your driving habits to defensive driving habits only requires a change in focus.

After all, defensive driving is no more than a set of skills, such as:

• Anticipate situations: When brake lights shine on the car in front of you, do you take your foot off the gas? You have no idea if the driver ahead is just slowing a bit, preparing to stop suddenly, or one of those brake-riding drivers.
• Plan for the unexpected: Planning is like anticipating, except it goes one step farther. What will you do if a child chasing a ball darts out in front of traffic?
• Control your speed: Be aware of the speed limit, of course. But better yet, drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions — sometimes slower is safer.
• Do not expect other drivers to make good decisions: This will sound harsh, but you should drive as if every other driver has a low IQ and just escaped from prison.

A Notch Above

With the prevalence of cell phone use, the number of accidents involving texting and driving has increased considerably. Unfortunately, drivers will continue their preoccupied driving habits and car accidents will continue to happen.

By becoming a more defensive driver, you will increase your chances of never being in a car crash.

If, however, someone’s failure to pay attention to the road has resulted in a car crash, call the lawyers of Bolt Law Firm at (763) 292-2102 for a free consultation to discuss your case.