Distracted driving is a grave concern carried out on the roads of British Columbia, Canada, with devastating consequences. Due to this reason, we need to recognize the impacts of distracted driving in this blog to create awareness and create action to combat this dangerous and life-taking behavior.
The following are some important points that are consequences of distracted driving:
Loss of life: The most devastating impact of distracted driving is the loss of life and every year numerous individuals lose their precious lives due to accidents backed up by distracted driving. Most of the time it’s due to texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other activities that may divert attention from the road. All these irresponsible acts lead to tragic fatalities that have a devastating effect on the lives of the deceased too.
Severe Injuries: in addition to loss of life, in most cases distracted driving causes severe injuries which can also be sometimes irrecoverable. People who survive accidents caused by distracted driving have to face a very long time of recovery and it also affects them mentally. They may take a very long time to recover emotionally from it. However, another key point we should note is that apart from the impact on the victims, it also places a significant burden on the health system of the country as well as the families and societies at large.
Health Expenses: Accidents due to distracted driving are also the sole reason for the rising health care expenses in the city. Most of the time the injuries caused by accidents are severe and treating these injuries can place a massive financial burden on individuals, families, and healthcare providers. These expenses can be drastically reduced if drivers drive with complete focus.
Damage to Property: Every year there is massive property damage due to distracted driving accidents. The damage is not only restricted to the vehicle of the victim. The property of other cars involved in the accidents is damaged. Moreover, state property such as roads, sidewalks, and even nature are affected by these severe accidents. The costs of these damages are quite high and it is an unfair burden borne by the taxpayers and insurance companies.
Higher Insurance Rates: Distracted driving accidents also affect the insurance rates in the city. The premiums set by insurance companies depend on multiple factors out of which is the frequency of accidents in the city. It means that the more accidents in the city, the more will be the premium charged to customers. Responsible drivers who avoid distractions are unfairly burdened with the financial consequences of others’ unsafe behavior.
What precautions should drivers take?
The following are some precautions you should take:
Plan: Before you can start your journey, it’s always a great idea to plan. If you have a navigation system in your car, you should program it according to the best route. Navigation systems have audio activated, so you should activate the audio for instructions rather than glancing at the screen. This simple procedure will reduce your temptation to fidget with your phone if you are using it for directions.
Moreover, if you plan on listening to your music, you should select the playlist in advance so that you won’t be tempted to scroll through the playlist on your phone.
Keep your phone on Silent: During driving or before you sit in your car, make it a habit to turn your cell phone silent. Most smartphones have a driving mode or a do-not-disturb mode that will automatically silence all your notifications and calls. It is an ideal way to help you concentrate on driving.
Keep the phone out of sight: Sometimes even if the cell phone is on silent, some people have the habit of checking their phone repeatedly to check if they have received any calls or notifications. The best way to avoid this is to put your cell phone in the glove compartment of your car or the center console. Once it is difficult to reach, there is a high chance that you won’t go for it.
Pre-trip check: Before you can start driving, you should always make sure that you have all the necessary nondistractable things within easy reach. This might include items such as sunglasses, snacks, and drinks. If they are far away, you might lose your focus in driving when grabbing that thing and an accident might occur. However, if you need to take out something from the glove box, compartment, or the back seat, you should always park the car and then grab it.
arslan19
