Reducing the Risk of Cell Phone Related Car Accidents

The number of cell phone related accidents is on the rise. With more and more research indicating a positive correlation between cell phone use and car accidents, it is important to do what you can to be as safe as possible while driving. While the best way to reduce cell phone related car accidents is to simply not talk on a cell phone while driving, if you find you must make a call while behind the wheel, there are several important safety tips you should follow:

Use a Hands-Free Device

Use of a hands-free device, such as a headset or system that is built directly into your car, is a way to reduce distraction while driving and talking on the phone. These devices are particularly effective if they are completely voice activated, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel at all times.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Cell phones are particularly dangerous when drivers look away from the road to dial a phone number or read a text message. If you have to make a call while driving, do not look down to punch in a phone number. Also, do not send text messages or browse the Internet as this can impair your ability to drive safely—endangering your life and the lives of those you share the road with.

Avoid Emotional Conversations

Emotional conversations cause drivers to take their mind off driving. Drivers can become so emotionally involved in a conversation that they may be less aware of their surroundings and be unable to react quickly. It is best to avoid any emotional phone conversations while driving so that your full attention can be given to driving safely.

Pull Over to a Safe Area

If it is absolutely necessary that you take a phone call while you are on the road, it is a good idea to pull off the road to engage in the conversation. Pulling off to a safe area will allow you to focus on the conversation and not risk getting distracted while driving. Even in a well-lit area, make sure your doors remain locked and you remain aware of your surroundings.

Only Use Your Phone When Necessary

Even with a hands-free device, it is important that you limit the phone calls you have while driving. Studies suggest that any cell phone use while driving may impair a person’s ability to drive well.  Reserve phone calls in the car to emergency situations; allow your voicemail to catch social calls that you receive while driving.

While talking on the phone and driving has become a real convenience, it is also a real danger. Individuals involved in a cell phone related car accident may face serious consequences for being on their cell phone at the time of the accident, even if they were not responsible for the crash (see Cell Phone Driving Laws). If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident involving a cell phone, it is imperative that you consult an attorney to understand your rights.