The Most Dangerous Driving Distraction is…

The most dangerous driving distraction is your cell phone.

You may have heard or read this in the news, but find it hard to believe. After all, there are many common distractions that occur in your car on a regular basis, so you do not understand why your phone is more of an issue than anything else.

Eating is a common distraction. With all of those fast-food places between your home and your destination, it can be difficult to resist. Perhaps you stop at your favorite place for a breakfast sandwich on your way to work along the FDR Drive, or you may take a couple of bagels from home instead. When you are in too much of a hurry for a sit-down meal, you eat in your car. Dropped food and hot liquid spills are huge distractions, causing you to lose focus on driving.

Talking is another common distraction. When you take your children to school, or they accompany you on errands, they want to talk or argue. It can be hard to keep your mind on your driving. You may also find yourself in a heated discussion with your spouse or your friends when you drive.

There are plenty of activities that distract you while you are driving. Your mind is preoccupied with something other than driving your car. Your phone, though, can present the most serious problems when it comes to distracted driving.

Making matters worse, cell phones are used for multiple activities. Talking and texting are both dangerous, but you may also be playing games or posting on social media sites.

Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1225c

The use of any hand-held cell phone while driving is prohibited on any New York road. Anyone who violates this law will be issued a traffic violation, pursuant to Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1225c, which will carry a fine of up to $200. Additionally, there will be points assessed to the offender’s driver’s license and driving record.

You may still be wondering why cell phones are worse than other types of distracted driving. Researchers believe it is because the brain is affected by eye-hand coordination. During most activities, you are able to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road. While your brain thinks about what is occurring, you still have the ability to control your driving.

In contrast, your eye-hand coordination is interrupted when you look at the phone. You are no longer operating on \”auto-pilot.\” Although no type of distracted driving is safe, this makes cell phone use the most dangerous distraction when you are driving your car.

Reduce Distractions

When you are driving around the state of New York, it is wise to avoid all distractions when you are behind the wheel. If you want to eat or talk to someone in your car, find a safe place to park. The best place for your phone is in the glove compartment. Leave it there until you reach your destination. It is one of the easiest ways to prevent an accident. You can also put your phone on “do not disturb” mode as well.

Unfortunately, you do not have control over other drivers who persist in distracted driving. When someone who is not driving responsibly causes an accident, you should not need to worry about lost wages while you recover, or medical bills for treating your injuries.

You can do your part for safe driving, but if you are involved in an accident, call the Law Offices of Stuart M. Kerner, P.C. for a free consultation. Our number is 718-796-7800.