Drivers in New Jersey know that distractions behind the wheel can endanger them. Everything from phone use to eating and drinking can take their eyes off the road and raise the risk for a crash. Distracted driving crashes lead to thousands of deaths every year with 2017 seeing 3,166 such deaths according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
There are ways to avoid becoming a statistic. First, drivers may want to hold up a no-eating policy in the car since eating can take one’s hand from the wheel or lead to food and drinks being spilled. Next, to limit the amount of distractions from other people, a driver could set a limit to how many passengers they take on. If drivers allow a passenger, they help with, for instance, the navigation system.
Drivers must cut out all phone use behind the wheel even when the phone is a hands-free device. In emergencies, drivers can pull over to the side of the road and then make their call. They should also watch out for the signs of drowsiness, such as heavy eyelids, constant yawning and trouble focusing. If caffeinated beverages are not helping, drivers should stop as soon as possible and take a 20-minute nap.
Drowsy, drunk and distracted driving are just a few examples of negligent behavior. Most car accidents arise out of negligence, but victims who are innocent might be covered for their economic and non-economic damages under personal injury law. New Jersey being a no-fault state, there are limitations on who can file a third-party insurance claim, so those who intend to file one may want a lawyer to assess their case before anything else. The lawyer may then handle all negotiations.