When you find yourself behind the wheel, it’s easy to get distracted. Whether it’s caused by your cell phone, trying to squeeze in a meal, talking with a friend, or simply reading a billboard or zoning out on the drive, there are so many ways you can easily lose focus. Despite these distractions, every driver needs to make it a top priority to always keep their focus and attention on the road.

Distracted driving accidents are quickly becoming one of the leading causes of auto accidents in the United States. If you’re involved in a distracted driving crash in Colorado, working with an experienced personal injury attorney in Denver could help protect your rights and see that you receive fair compensation. But of course, it’s ideal that no one is involved in this type of accident in the first place. Here, we’re looking at the top causes of distracted driving to help you be a more informed driver while on the road. We identify the number one cause of distracted driving and review some tips for helping you to prevent distracted driving.

What is Distracted Driving?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is “any activity that diverts attention from driving.” This can include a variety of activities, including talking or texting on your smartphone, eating or drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, or simply daydreaming as you drive. Any moment where your full attention is pulled from the road and the act of driving, this can be considered distracted driving. No matter the source of your distraction, this habit is dangerous.

What is the Number One Cause of Distracted Driving?

Most of us couldn’t imagine our lives without our cell phones. These tiny devices have completely revolutionized how we talk, connect, and find information. While smartphones are truly an impressive piece of technology, there’s also a downside. Using your cell phone, whether by talking or texting or surfing the web, is the number one cause of distracted driving. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, roughly a quarter of all auto accidents involve the use of a cell phone.

Many states now have laws that prohibit drivers from using their phones while behind the wheel. Some states have made texting while driving illegal. Others, such as California, have also made it illegal to talk on your phone while driving – unless, of course, you have a hands-free device for your smartphone. With more and more cars being outfitted with Bluetooth connectivity, talking hands-free is becoming more popular.

What are Other Top Causes of Distracted Driving?

The use of a smartphone while driving is the most common cause of distracted driving. However, it certainly is not the sole cause. There are many different sources of distracted driving, all of which can make your road trip far less safe.

Here’s a look at some of the other top causes of distracted driving:

• Texting while driving.
• Using your GPS.
• Adjusting the stereo and music.
• Talking to passengers in your vehicle.
• Eating or drinking.
• Applying makeup.
• Reading billboards.
• Daydreaming or zoning out.

How to Prevent Distracted Driving?

The rise in distracted driving accidents and fatalities is even more tragic because most of these incidents could be easily avoided. Here are some easy ways that you can work to prevent distracted driving collisions:

• Always focus on the road: this tip might seem glaringly obvious, but a lack of focus is the primary source behind all distracted driving accidents. Any moment that you’re operating a motor vehicle, you need to keep your entire focus and attention on the act of driving.
• Save your meals for home: you’d be surprised by how many people eat or drink in their cars while driving. While we may be tempted to finish a meal behind the wheel in an attempt to save time, it isn’t worth the risk. Having a bottle of water in your middle console while driving is one thing, but eating an entire meal is completely different and can significantly distract you from changing road conditions.
•  Go hands-free with your smartphone: cell phones are the top cause of distracted driving, but this doesn’t mean you need to entirely avoid them when you’re in the car. If you have hands-free options, such as Bluetooth connectivity for calls or a
• Get organized: before you start your car, make sure you’re organized and ready for your trip. This can include having a water bottle handy, setting up your GPS coordinates ahead of time, and making any important calls or sending important texts before you ever begin moving.

What Do I Do if I Get in a Car Crash with a Distracted Driver?

With so many distracted driving car accidents occurring every day, there’s a significant chance that you may be involved in a distracted driving accident at some point in your life. If this type of car crash does occur, what should you do? Following any type of auto collision, you should always seek out medical attention. If your injuries don’t require a trip to the hospital, call 911 to have the police sent out. Having an official police report is an important way to create an objective account of the accident and to protect your rights.

You may also want to call a distracted driving accident attorney. These professionals can help you understand your case, assess its true value, and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Conclusion – What are the Top Causes of Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is quickly becoming one of the leading causes of auto accidents in the United States. Whether caused by your phone, another passenger, your radio, or simply losing focus as you drive, distracted driving can be extremely dangerous.

It’s the responsibility of every driver on the road to keep conditions safe and prevent distracted driving. There are simple steps you can take, such as making phone calls prior to driving or getting your car more organized, to cut down on distracted driving and keep you and those you care about safer. When you’re thinking about sending a text or answering a call while driving, it’s never worth the risk.