10 Things to Avoid When Driving

Driving can be risky even if you don’t engage in behaviors that increase your likelihood of getting into an accident. While you cannot control what other drivers do, you can take steps to minimize your chances of being involved in a crash. Defensive driving can help to keep you and other road users safe.

10 Things You Should Avoid While Driving

1. Do not check your phone. Talking on your cell phone or sending a text message requires you to take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your attention away from what’s ahead. All these factors make an accident more likely, so put your phone away until you reach your destination.
2. Do not eat. Eating while driving may seem convenient, but doing so is dangerous because you must take at least one hand off the wheel. If your attention is focused on eating, your risk of crashing increases.
3. Do not drink and drive. Although we all know the dangers of drunk driving, far too many people continue to make the reckless decision to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Alcohol dulls your reflexes, impairs your judgment, and increases the likelihood of risky behavior.
4. Do not drive with two feet. Unless you’re driving a car with a manual transmission, use only your right foot to work the pedals. If you use both feet to drive a car with an automatic transmission, you’re more likely to press both pedals simultaneously, causing the vehicle to accelerate or decelerate when you meant to do the other.
5. Do not drive next to a large vehicle longer than needed. Keep your distance from semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles on the road, as they are much heavier than passenger vehicles and can inflict catastrophic injuries in the event of a wreck.
6. Do not forget to wear a seat belt. Studies show that seat belts save lives. If you don’t wear a seat belt, nothing keeps you from slamming into the car’s interior or being ejected from it in a crash.
7. Do not wear high heels. High heels position your foot in a way that increases muscle fatigue and makes it difficult to sense how much pressure you are applying to the pedals. It is best to wear flats while driving.
8. Do not drive with an unsecured pet. A pet roaming free in your vehicle can be a distraction and obscure your view of the road. A pet can also be badly injured in an accident if not secured in a cage or carrier.
9. Do not drive without headlights. Headlights are necessary at night and in low-visibility conditions so you can see the road ahead and other road users can see you.
10. Do not apply makeup or shave. Grooming takes your hands from the wheel and your attention from the road, making it incredibly dangerous.

Contact Our Experienced Connecticut Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Connecticut and someone else is at fault, contact the law firm of Wocl Leydon, LLC, now for a free consultation. Our Connecticut car accident lawyers look forward to meeting you and discussing your needs in detail.