While driving while intoxicated is, perhaps, the most thought-of distraction, it is not the only reason your interest may get pulled from the road, resulting in an accident. Should that happen you would be responsible for paying for collision repair, as well as sued for damages if anyone gets hurt. To avoid this kind of scenario, below are bad habits to break that could take your focus off the wheel.  

What Are Common Causes of Distracted Driving?

1. Using Your Smartphone

Texting, talking, or looking up directions on your cellphone can leave you distracted. According to a survey of 2,000 Americans, 37% of respondents ages 18 to 34 felt pressure to check work-related emails on the road. To avoid the temptation, keep your phone in the glove compartment until you reach the destination. 

2. Rubbernecking

From billboards to accidents, you might want to get a closer look at various scenes you drive by on the road. Known as rubbernecking, slowing down and craning your neck to see out of side windows means you’re not looking at the road ahead. This habit contributes to 10 to 16 percent of all car accidents. So you don’t become a statistic and need extensive collision repairs, maintain a consistent speed and keep your eyes on the road in front of you.  

3. Driving Familiar Routes

Many drivers get into car accidents close to their homes. Because they are familiar with the road conditions, traffic lights, and signs along the route, they simply go through the motions. Failing to remain vigilant is known as inattention blindness. If you don’t see roadwork signs, potholes, and other changes ahead, your response time decreases, which increases the risk of driving off the road or colliding with a car. Change up your route to avoid this phenomenon. 

4. Dealing With Children or Pets

Of all the people who travel with their dogs in the car, 84 percent don’t restrain them. Sixty percent have admitted they’ve been distracted by their pets. So your animal doesn’t jump in your lap, keep them in a carrying cage.

Reprimanding rambunctious kids is also a source of distraction. According to a study, children riding in the car are 12 times more distracting than cellphones. Therefore, refrain from disciplining them or asking them questions until the vehicle is completely stopped at red lights or you reach the destination.

If any of the above distractions have led to an auto accident, trust the professionals at Premier Collision Center in Broken Arrow, OK, to help. With over 500 years of combined experience, the certified technicians provide collision repair, auto body work, and additional solutions to restore Tulsa and Wagoner County cars to their former condition. To schedule an appointment, call (918) 258-9595. Visit the shop online to learn more about this team.