Trucking accidents are a common cause of serious injuries and death every year in Georgia. Reducing distractions can help drivers keep their eyes on the road. Consider what you can do to avoid distraction and prevent serious accidents.
Every task that you complete behind the wheel is a potential distraction, even if it does not take very long. Little things like adjusting the heat or air or turning the radio on or off are potential sources of distraction even though these are things most drivers do every day.
When you are facing distractions, consider your rate of speed. You can calculate an approximate estimate for feet per second, or FPS, by multiplying your rate of speed by 1.5. If you are driving at a rate of speed of 30 miles per hour, you are traveling at 45 FPS. It is easy to see how you can cover the length of an entire football field in seconds when traveling at a high rate of speed, which is dangerous if you are not paying attention to the road.
It is impossible to control some things that attract your attention on the road such as billboards, other drivers and traffic signs. However, it is completely possible to minimize distractions that are within your control such as whether or not to make a phone call while driving.
Even if you are unable to completely eliminate distractions like needing to eat while on the road or making phone calls, minimizing these distractions is an important way to prevent accidents. Unpacking food before starting your vehicle, for example, is one way to make eating while driving safer when having a meal on the road is unavoidable. Most cellphones can be connected to Bluetooth devices for hands-free use.
Many trucking companies promote safety by having rules for their drivers. Even if a trucking company does not promote strict safety rules, it is up to drivers to make their own guidelines and stick to them. Ensuring that drivers are aware of distractions at all times can save lives.
Truck accidents are a common cause of preventable injuries and deaths. If you have been injured in a truck accident, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you file a claim for compensation for damages related to the accident such as medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
