5 Tips to Prevent Texting and Driving Car Accidents in St. Louis

If you or a loved one have been involved in a St. Louis car accident caused by texting while driving, seek help from a St. Louis car accident lawyer.

With the ability to text and use social media at our fingertips, it’s tempting to get caught up in the moment and forget about the importance of staying focused on the road. However, it’s important to remember that distracted driving is a serious problem with irreversible consequences. In fact, according to the NHTSA, this vice causes an alarming 280,000 injuries and 3,000 fatalities per year. 

Here are five tips to help prevent car accidents caused by texting and driving.

Put Your Phone on Silent Mode 

The simplest way a driver can block themselves from texting while driving is by placing your phone on silent mode. This will ensure that you don’t get distracted by incoming calls or messages. Making sure your phone stays silent also ensures that you won’t be tempted to answer any messages or calls if they come in while you are driving. You may miss out on a few important notifications – but that’s a better outcome than not arriving at your destination safely.

Keep Your Device Out of Reach 

Putting the phone on silent mode may not be a solution for everyone, as there is always the temptation – especially if you’re expecting an important message. The best thing to do in such cases is to keep your device out of reach. The key to using this method effectively lies in ensuring that the effort required to access your device is too much for you during those moments when curiosity takes hold.

Set Everything Up Before You Get Behind the Wheel

If some texts or calls need to be responded to before hitting the road, ensure they are taken care of before getting into your vehicle. That way, once you start driving, you won’t need further interactions with your device until you reach your destination. 

Use Apps That Block Texting and Driving

Have you ever heard of the phrase, “There’s an app for that?” This phrase applies here too. Various apps are available for iOS and Android devices, which can recognize when a person is operating their vehicle and automatically turn off notifications.

If Necessary, Pull Over to a Safe Location

If something comes up and needs attending while already behind the wheel, pull over to a safe location and take care of it. Pulling over for a few moments is far safer than texting and driving, especially in an emergency. Furthermore, taking a moment to pull over also allows you to collect yourself and refocus before continuing to your destination.

Texting while driving puts both drivers and passengers at risk. Fortunately, following the tips above can help combat this highly addictive behavior. Educating yourself on the dangers of texting while driving can also be a useful tool in helping to reduce the prevalence of this risky activity. 

Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident caused by texting while driving, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. A St. Louis car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve and hold those responsible for your injuries accountable. Remember that distracted driving is a serious problem, and the consequences can be irreversible. Contact an experienced lawyer today and take the first step towards justice and recovery.

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