Many people assume that drunk drivers are one of the biggest threats to their vehicular safety when on the road. And while it’s true that a person is injured in a drunk driving crash every two minutes, there’s another major threat to drivers’ safety as well, and its rates are still growing — distracted driving. At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, and understanding the truth behind distracted driving and its negative implications is the key to avoiding the habit and staying safe on the road. Here are just a few common myths you’ll hear about distracted driving..

I’ve had years of driving experience; I know how to multitask, so distracted driving is not a risk for me
The ‘overconfidence’ myth is all too common with distracted driving, just as it is with impaired driving. No matter how many years of driving experience you have, what type of car you drive, or how good your driving skills may be, science has proven that the human brain simply cannot focus on two tasks at once and perform them both correctly. This sinks in when you consider the fact that engaging in visual-manual subtasks (such as reaching for a phone, dialing and texting) associated with the use of hand-held phones and other portable devices increases the risk of getting into a crash by three times. Is sending that ‘I’m on my way’ text really more important than your safety and the safety of those sharing the roads with you?.

Keeping phones out of reach prevents distracted driving
This myth may be well-intentioned, but it’s not entirely true. While distracted driving does often occur as a result of cell phone use, there are plenty of other causes, including eating, navigating your GPS, changing the radio station, applying makeup, or staring as you drive past the scene of an accident. Anything that takes your attention away from the road even for a few seconds is considered a distraction..

Ultimately, understanding the truth about distracted driving is the key to avoiding it yourself and staying safe on the roads. Always stay informed about what to do when being charged with a crime. This means knowing the distracted driving and DUI laws in your area and contacting a distracted driving or DUI lawyer if you need legal help or advice. For more information about criminal laws or DUI laws, contact Rhett Bernstein.