We see the signs all over our Connecticut highways: “Don’t drive distracted yet, many people do multiple times per car trip. With that in mind, Connecticut drivers need to take extra caution when heading out on the roads. Accidents today are caused mostly by driver distractions. That being said, distracted driving is the leading cause of most vehicle crashes and near-crashes. In most crashes, the distraction occurred within three seconds before the vehicle crash.

According to a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), 80 percent of crashes involved some form of driver distraction, while 65 percent of near-crashes also involved a distracted driver. 

When you are driving, the condition of the roadway you are on and the behavior of other drivers can change abruptly, leaving you little or no time to react. When you are driving, follow these rules:

Distracted driving can have serious consequences, including car accidents and fatalities. In addition, distracted driving can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and legal consequences. It’s important to remember that any activity that takes your attention away from the road, even for a few seconds, can be dangerous. 

When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration examined the statistics, it was discovered that up to 416,000 people were injured in an accident that was caused by a distracted driver.

With the rise of technology, distracted driving has become a major concern on the roads. Smartphones, GPS devices, and other gadgets have made it easier than ever to stay connected while behind the wheel, but they also pose a serious risk to drivers and others on the road. In fact, distracted driving is now one of the leading causes of car accidents, and it’s important to take steps to prevent it.

One of the most effective ways to prevent distracted driving is to use hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth headsets or speakerphones. This allows you to keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. It’s also important to avoid using your phone while driving, even if it’s just to check a text message or make a quick call. If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe location first. Other ways to prevent distracted driving include programming your GPS before you start driving, avoiding eating or drinking while driving, and keeping your music at a reasonable volume. By taking these steps, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.