December 9, 2025 | Car Accidents
Driving is a routine part of life for many people, so it’s easy to forget that each time you get into a vehicle, there’s a chance you could be involved in a crash.
Avoiding distracted driving accidents begins with identifying hazardous behaviors and making a conscious effort to maintain your focus on the road. Following these five safety tips can help you and others stay safer while traveling in a vehicle.
1. Don’t Try To Multitask
In many areas of life, the ability to multitask is an enviable skill. However, even if you’re a good multitasker, trying to do so while driving a vehicle greatly increases your chances of getting into a car accident.
Even seemingly inconsequential tasks like adjusting your mirrors, changing a playlist, or rummaging around in the center console can take your attention away from the road long enough to cause a crash.
2. Don’t Text And Drive
Texting and driving might seem like a type of multitasking. However, texting and driving is so dangerous (and common) that it deserves its own category.
There are three main categories of distracted driving:
- Visual distraction: The driver looks away from the road to read a text message.
- Manual distraction: The driver takes a hand off the wheel to type a reply.
- Cognitive distraction: The driver is focused on their phone instead of driving.
The National Safety Council estimates that one in four car accidents is caused by texting and driving.
3. Set Up Your GPS Ahead Of Time
If you’re like many drivers, you might have just set up your GPS while driving. Trying to adjust your GPS or input a destination while driving is always hazardous. However, if you do so while navigating dangerous roads and intersections, you’re even more likely to cause a crash unwittingly.
4. Be A Good Passenger
Avoiding distracted driving is primarily a driver’s responsibility. However, if you’re a passenger, you can take proactive steps to help the driver maintain focus:
- Handle incoming calls and texts for the driver.
- Assist with navigation when needed.
- Adjust the heat/AC so the driver doesn’t need to.
It’s also important to speak up if you see the driver behaving in a dangerous manner. For instance, if the driver starts texting, don’t be afraid to ask them not to.
5. Have A Co-Pilot When Traveling With A Baby
If possible, have another adult accompany you when your baby is in the car. A crying or fussy baby can make you want to turn around to check on them. Even if you resist that temptation, it’s easy for your attention to drift from the road to your child, increasing the risk of a crash. Some babies may further distract you by throwing toys.
If you have an adult (or a child old enough to tend to the baby) in the car with you, you’ll know that you can keep your attention on the task at hand. Your co-pilot will make sure your baby is taken care of.
The Importance Of Avoiding Distraction Behind The Wheel
Everyone gets distracted from time to time. However, when you become distracted while you’re driving, the consequences can be deadly. When you’re cognizant of the risks involved and make a genuine effort to avoid distraction behind the wheel, you’re helping to make the road a safer place for yourself and other drivers.
Contact Graves Thomas Injury Law Group For A Free Consultation With A Vero Beach Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a distracted driving accident, you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. Contact Graves Thomas Injury Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Vero Beach car accident lawyer and learn how we can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced car accident lawyers at Graves Thomas Injury Law Group to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Florida, including Vero Beach, St. Petersburg, and Port St. Lucie.
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-5735
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 617-8814
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 569-8155
