Distracted driving is one of the main causes of car accidents in the United States. Each year, more than 400,000 people sustain injuries in crashes that involve distracted drivers, according to research by Distraction.gov. Many of these victims hire a personal-injury lawyer to help them recover health-care expenses, lost wages and other damages from the liable party.
Most people know that there are common distractions in vehicles that can cause accidents, such as cell phones, GPS and maps; however, passengers can play a critical role in preventing these accidents. They can help the driver stay focused and point out hazards that the driver may not notice.
At the Churdar Law Firm, we know that not all accidents are avoidable. If you were in a collision with a negligent or distracted driver, then a Greenville car accident lawyer will guide you through the claims process. You may be entitled to lost wages, medical expenses, and compensation for pain and suffering. Call us today at 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation.
Until then, read on to learn four ways that passengers can help drivers avoid accidents:
1. Do Not Use Cell Phones
The recent introduction of vehicles with built-in Wi-Fi has South Carolina law enforcement concerned. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that more than 60 percent of drivers use their phones on a regular basis. Cell phones and vehicles simply do not mix, and this applies to both drivers and passengers.
Make an effort to stay off your phone or tablet while you are in the car – even if you are not behind the wheel. In particular, avoid loud conversations and watching movies, and never attempt to show the driver a text or image on your phone.
2. Stay Calm
Even if the driver is travelling through heavy traffic, it is important to remain calm and not contribute to any stress in the vehicle. Backseat drivers can create additional confusion, which leads to indecision.
Show the driver that you have respect for his or her decision-making ability by staying calm. This is particularly important for younger drivers. Also, never encourage the driver to travel faster than he or she is comfortable.
3. Offer an Extra Pair of Eyes
Even though backseat driving can be a dangerous distraction, speak up if you notice something critical or imminently dangerous. This is particularly important in situations when the driver is backing up and may not see certain obstacles or hazards.
4. Be Respectful
Driving a car can be stressful, and if the passengers are not quiet and respectful, it can increase the risk of a crash. If there are multiple passengers in the car, then they should keep their voices down, avoid eating and not move around the vehicle.
If you were in a car crash, then a Greenville personal-injury lawyer from the Churdar Law Firm may be able to help you recover compensation. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 864-233-0203.