Although car accidents can be caused by driver impairment, mechanical malfunctions, and treacherous weather, 25 percent of all fatal crashes result from distracted driving. Even though you can’t control the actions of others, curbing certain behaviors will increase your response time to prevent minor and major collisions. Here’s how to become a more responsible motorist. 

How to Curb Distracted Driving Habits

1. Make Tweaks Before You Leave

As soon as you turn on the car, plug addresses in the GPS system, adjust the heat or air conditioning, position mirrors, and make any other adjustments to improve comfort and ensure you remain safe on the road. Fiddling with knobs on the dashboard while you’re driving can lead to a car accident. If you need to make additional tweaks after you leave the driveway or parking lot, do so when the car is stopped at a red light. 

2. Don’t Eat While Driving

In addition to drinking and driving, eating behind the wheel can also be dangerous. Even if you’re hungry, don’t use a long drive as mealtime. Doing so decreases response time. Looking in a fast food bag or wiping away crumbs on your lap means you’re not looking at the road, increasing the likelihood of a car accident. 

3. Leave Pets in Carriers

If you need to take your pet to the veterinarian or are planning a trip to the dog park, remember to put the furry friend in a carrying cage before you hit the road. Otherwise, you could be tempted to pet the animal while driving. They could also jump onto your lap, causing you to lose control of the steering wheel.

If you’re involved in a car accident due to another motorist’s distracted driving, contact the attorneys at Reed & Terry, LLP. With offices in Sugar Land, Richmond, and Katy, TX, the counselors have over 50 years of combined experience handling personal injury, wrongful death, and auto accident law cases. This makes them qualified to protect your interests and lobby on your behalf in court. For a consultation, call (281) 491-5000. Learn more about each lawyer and the services provided by visiting them online.