YUMA, Arizona. Distracted driving can have serious detrimental effects on individuals and their families. According to the Shepherd Center, one of the leading rehabilitation hospitals in the nation, distracted driving is one of the causes of serious car accidents every year. According to the Shepherd Center,
one out of ten drivers use their cell phones while driving. Though the use of cell phones is common while driving, this does not make the practice safe nor is it legal to text and drive.

It can be tempting to pick up your phone while driving if it rings. The Shepherd Center recommends that drivers turn off their cell phones and put their phones in places that are inaccessible to them while driving. Another way that drivers can avoid unnecessary use of their cell phones is by planning their route ahead of time so they won’t need to refer to GPS. Setting up a play list before your drive, so you don’t need to toggle between songs while driving can also make you a safer driver. Checking GPS and changing songs on your cell phone or car radio is distracted driving.

Family, friends, and loved ones can also keep one another safe. For example, if family or friends know you are driving, they can stop texting you until you reach your destination or end the conversation. Individuals can also help set higher standards and norms by refusing to be in a car with someone who is driving and using their cell phone. Instead of picking up your phone or changing the song or checking the map, ask your passenger to do it for you.

Breaking the habit of using your phone while driving can be hard, so it is important to remember that our brains react to our phones in the same way they react to addiction. If you make a mistake and check your phone while driving, think about what triggered the situation and ask yourself how you can change the behavior next time. For example, if the ringing phone triggered you answering the phone, you can put your phone on silent, put it in the trunk, or use technology that blocks numbers while you are driving.

According to Harvard University
, one way to prevent accidents and to keep drivers focused on the road is through a practice known as situational awareness. By focusing on all areas of the road and scenery around you, you can be more aware of hazards. For example, drivers are encouraged to check blind spots, and mirrors regularly. By keeping yourself focused on driving in this manner, and by holding yourself accountable to greater degrees of precision while driving, you will be less likely to become distracted.

Yet, distracted driving can happen. And when it happens, sometimes individuals can get hurt. If you or a loved one was hurt by the actions of a distracted driver, you may have certain rights under the law. For example, you may be entitled to seek damages for your lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. Schneider & Onofry, P.C. are personal injury lawyers in Yuma, Arizona
who work with individuals who may have suffered an injury due to distracted driving. If you’ve been hurt, you may have the right to seek justice. Visit us at https://www.soarizonalaw.com/
to learn more.

Schneider & Onofry, P.C.
6024 E. 32nd St.
Yuma, AZ 85365
928-257-4887