Driving Safety

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is classified by any type of activity that takes the driver’s focus off the task of driving. Usually this can be a mental or physical activity.

Make no mistake about it. Taking control of a car grants you responsibility that should not be taken lightly. A simple lapse in judgment can easily turn a simple situation into a disaster.

Distracted driving has increased dramatically in our state in the last few years with the advancements in technology. These include driver distractions in the following categories:

• distracted by electronic communication devices (such as mobile phones),
• other electronic devices (such as navigation devices or DVD players),
• other distractions inside the vehicle,
• texting . Florida State Statute 316.305 strictly prohibits texting and driving at the same time.
• or simply general inattentiveness.

Drivers assume that these numbers are just statistics and that accidents could never occur to them, but disaster could strike at any moment, and it could be one of your loved ones, or a friend or neighbor. In the real world of driving, a simple distraction can lead to death or serious injury to others. Always avoid the following types of behaviors that could distract you while driving. 

• Texting
• Eating or consuming beverages
• Operating an electronic device such as a GPS or car stereo system
• Taking your dog or cat for a ride without securing it properly
• Not concentrating on the act of driving
• Smoking