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The dark side to driving with distractions

On Behalf of | Dec 31, 2017 | Blog, Firm News |

When you think of driving distractions in Cedartown, you might not realize how dangerous they can be. Distracted driving is becoming so common that many motorists are becoming immune to the risks until they end up in motor vehicle accidents or lose their loved ones to them. 

The obvious effects of distracted driving include vehicle collisions, physical and emotional trauma, property damage and accident as well as medical expenses. There are some not-so-obvious effects of driving with distractions that can have a significant impact on your life and those of your loved ones. Here is a brief overview of the hidden dangers of driving with distractions. 

Increases overconfidence in your driving skills 

Each time you drive with distractions and make it to your destination without incident, you build more confidence in your ability to do so again. You start to undervalue the importance of driving safely and responsibly. It may seem hard to believe, but the more confident you become in operating your vehicle while using distractions, the more you lower your guard. You become less equipped to handle the ever-changing traffic and road conditions. 

Increases your dependence on distractions 

The longer you drive with distractions, the harder it becomes to operate your vehicle without them. A dependency develops that is similar to addiction that becomes hard to avoid. 

Encourages your children to use them 

Your kids may not be old enough to drive, but they are always watching. At some point, they will reach the legal age and mimic many of the driving behaviors they saw in you. Though they may take a driver’s education course, and you may give them rules to follow when driving, much of their driving behavior is sure to include bad habits they picked up from you. 

Driving is a privilege you should not take for granted. Always use caution, good habits and avoid distractions when driving. Driving may not be the most enjoyable of tasks at times, but when you add distractions, it can become one of the most dangerous.