The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that nine deaths and 1,000 car crashes happen every single day in the United States that can be directly attributed to distracted driving. “Distracted driving” is an umbrella term that can refer to driving while paying attention to such distractions as eating, putting on makeup, reading a map, and dealing with unruly children in the back seat. For most of us, however, the biggest source of distracted driving comes from our cell phone.
Our cell phone gives us access to our emails, our social media accounts, text messaging, voice mail, movies, and, of course, good old fashioned phone calls. With so many different opportunities to occupy our time and our thoughts, most of us cannot imagine being away from our phones even for short periods of time. However, given the high cost of distracted driving, refraining from using the phone while driving seems to be a very good idea. But how to accomplish this goal? We live in a world where people expect us to be available at a moment’s notice. Taking proactive steps to let others know you are unavailable when driving can make a difference.
USING YOUR PHONE’S DND FUNCTION
Most cell phones now have a Do Not Disturb (DND) feature. This feature prevents phone calls, text messages, email notifications and the like from coming through your phone while you are driving. Depending on your phone, you can set the DND feature at set times, such as during your morning commute, or you can set it to turn on automatically when the phone senses you are driving. DND can also be activated manually.
Some DND versions also include a feature wherein parents can install a password protected instruction to set their teenager’s phone to DND when they are driving.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE DND FUNCTION
Sometimes, people are hesitant to implement a blanket DND rule. However, most DND apps allow phones to be set to include exceptions to the DND rule, as well as a “work around,” such as the use of the word “urgent” to break through the DND instruction.
INCREASED SAFE DRIVING
Studies have shown that by using the DND feature when driving, cell phone use is reduced. This can only make all of us safer on the roads.
HAVE YOU BEEN HURT BY A DISTRACTED DRIVER?
If you have been hurt by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Frost & Kavanaugh to discuss the circumstances surrounding your injury. Arthur Frost has practiced in the area of personal injury for more than 20 years with several recoveries over $1 Million. He would be delighted to meet with you to learn more about your situation. We do not charge a fee for consultations, so you have nothing to lose. Call us today at (518) 730-4222.