Unexpected Ways You Drive Distracted
Let’s be honest about drivers in Atlanta. Not many will admit it, but lots of Atlanta drivers have driven in certain circumstances when they probably shouldn’t have. We’re not talking about driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but driving in situations where a driver is unknowingly putting themselves and others at risk on the roads. This could mean driving late at night after a long day at work when you are too tired to pay full attention to what’s happening around you.
Maybe it’s driving in a new area of Atlanta that you don’t know well and having to pay more attention to the GPS than to the road. In times of quarantine that cause people to stay at home for weeks at a time, it can even be dangerous for individuals to head back out onto the busy Atlanta roads without getting accustomed to driving again.
Lamar Law Office is dedicated to keeping Atlanta residents safe on the roads, so we are helping to spread traffic safety awareness tips for the city. As a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, our support comes not only after an accident but also in helping to prevent accidents. Let’s talk about some ways that you may be driving distracted without even realizing it.
Drowsy Driving
Driving while tired or drowsy from a lack of sleep can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. When you’re too exhausted to focus on the road, you’re more likely to merge into other lanes of traffic, run off the road, or not react quick enough in a dangerous situation. The NHTSA reports that drowsy driving fatalities were 1.9% of total driving fatalities in 2019, which is a large percentage for an easily avoidable problem. To avoid driving while drowsy, it’s important to first be honest about how tired you are and your ability to drive.
Many individuals try and push through their drowsiness to try and make it home but actually end up putting themselves in a very dangerous position. Instead of ignoring the signs of drowsiness and getting behind the wheel, call a friend, family member, or taxi to take you home when you are too tired to drive yourself. Make sure to plan ahead, as well, so that you don’t put yourself in a position of needing to drive when you are too tired. If you’re planning a road trip, or will have a few long days at work, book hotel rooms so that you don’t drive with little sleep. Being proactive and safe not only prevents you from being an accident but protects the other drivers on the road as well.
Driving Distracted with a GPS
Atlanta is known for having complicated roadways that are difficult to navigate, especially in times of heavy traffic. When residents are not familiar with a certain area, it can be difficult to understand where to turn when you’re following just the GPS instructions. That can oftentimes lead individuals to focus more on their GPS than on the road, which in turn can lead to an accident.
When you’re driving in Atlanta, be prepared for your trip so that you don’t get caught struggling with the GPS while on a busy road. Read over the directions before you head out to have a general understanding of where and when you will be turning. When possible, drive with someone else in the car so they can read the GPS and you can stay focused on the road. If you’re caught in a difficult situation, stay calm and flow with the traffic of the road until you can find a safe place to pull over and check the GPS. Don’t try and cut through lanes of traffic to make a turn, nor make an illegal turn to get back on the route. If you’re looking for a safe GPS to use in the car, select through these best GPS navigation systems.
Post COVID/Quarantine Driving
We’ve all been stuck inside our homes for long periods of time during the COVID-19 pandemic. This means we’re driving less and there has been less traffic on the roads. As Atlanta begins to open back up, more people are traveling again on major Atlanta highways and interstates, meaning drivers could face different risks than before. People who haven’t driven in weeks or people who have grown accustomed to driving with less traffic may be more likely to drive unsafely and put themselves and others at risk of an accident.
To keep yourself and others safe on the road as states begin to re-open, remember to drive with extra caution. Keep adequate space between you and the car in front of you, always keep your eyes moving to know what’s happening around you on the road, and don’t assume your reaction time will be as quick as it once was. Being extra precautious as you start to travel again is the best way to prevent an accident in Atlanta.
Keeping You Safe From Accidents in Atlanta
Lamar Law Office reminds you to stay safe on the roads by taking precautions before getting behind the wheel and always being proactive about what you may encounter during your travels. Being extra careful when it comes to driving not only helps you to stay safe, but it also keeps fellow Atlanta residents on the roads safe. If you have been involved in an accident in Atlanta, call our personal injury lawyers immediately at 877-CARE-404.