Tips for Safe Driving
November 15, 2022
Safe driving requires your full attention and effort. A moment of carelessness behind the wheel can easily lead to a devastating accident. Here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure you always practice safe driving while traveling through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Keep Your Hands on the Wheel
First, you should always refrain from taking your hands off the steering wheel while your vehicle is moving. It may be tempting to adjust the climate controls, change the radio, or adjust the navigation while moving, but if you take even one hand off the steering wheel, you make it more difficult for you to maneuver your vehicle if you suddenly encounter a hazard on the road. Instead, wait to pull over or come to a stop at a red light to use the climate controls or infotainment system, or use the voice-activated controls if your vehicle is equipped with them.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
You should also avoid any distractions that require you to take your eyes off the road while on the move. If you need to reach for an object in your vehicle, wait until you can safely pull over or until you get to a red light to look around the passenger cabin. On the highway, your vehicle can travel the length of a football field when you take your eyes off the road for only a few seconds.
Avoid Texting While Driving
Cell phone use behind the wheel is one of the most frequent causes of motor vehicle accidents. Many people are tempted to look at their phone to read or send a quick text message. However, using your cell phone completely takes your focus off the task of driving. Instead, use hands-free technology if you need to make phone calls or read/send text messages while driving. Or, more preferably, pull into a parking lot or space to make your call or send your text or email.
Avoid Distractions from Other Motorists and Passengers
Excessive chatting with passengers in your vehicle can be incredibly distracting while driving, especially if you turn your head to talk to your passengers. You should also refrain from shouting out of your vehicle if you see an acquaintance driving another vehicle on the road. Taking your eyes off the road while driving can quickly lead to an accident.
Avoid Other Distractions Behind the Wheel
There are other distractions that you should avoid while driving. You may sometimes see people grooming or putting makeup behind the wheel in the mornings, or you may see drivers eating a sandwich or a whole meal. Again, grooming/applying makeup takes a driver’s whole focus off the task of driving. And eating while driving can easily lead to a serious distraction, especially if you accidentally spill food on yourself or elsewhere in the passenger cabin.
Stay Off the Road When Distressed
Finally, you should refrain from getting behind the wheel if you are feeling overly emotional. If you are feeling very angry about work or personal life, or if you have just received very distressing news such as the death of a loved one, your mental focus may be on whatever’s causing your emotional distress rather than on driving.
Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Motor Vehicle Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a motor vehicle accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. represent clients injured because of motor vehicle accidents in Pittsburgh and the surrounding Western PA counties. Call (412) 766-1455 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3634 California Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Home visits can be arranged in certain situations.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
