Safe Driving Tips for Drivers in Erie – No Texting

Posted by & filed under car accident, motorcycle accident, The Travis Law Firm Blog, truck accident.

The decisions motorists make when they drive can place themselves and others on the road in danger. All drivers have a duty of care to avoid actions that could cause a traffic accident or place others in danger. One of the most important safe driving tips for drivers is to put down the cell phone. Texting while driving is a serious problem throughout the United States, including in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s Ban on Texting While Driving

Pennsylvania took steps to make roads safer for everyone by banning texting while driving. The states’ ban on texting while driving is a primary offense, meaning police officers can pull you over for no other reason than texting while driving.

Drivers are banned from using a wireless device to send, write, or read text-based communications while driving. The ban includes texts, instant messages, emails, and other written communication sent or received on a wireless device.

Why Is Texting While Driving Dangerous?

Distracted driving reduces the time you have to react to a driving situation. It also increases the risk that you might make a maneuver that could cause a collision.

Any activity that takes your focus away from driving is a potentially deadly distraction. The three main distractions for driving, according to the CDC, are:

  • Manual – Taking your hands off the steering wheel
  • Visual – Taking your eyes off the road
  • Cognitive – Taking your mind off the task of driving

Texting while driving is dangerous because it involves all three types of distractions. When you are engaged in texting, your full attention is on texting. You may not see a child run across the road chasing a ball, traffic slowing down ahead, or the light changing to red.

Other Safe Driving Tips

In addition to no texting, other safe driving tips for Pennsylvania drivers include:

  • Always wear seat belts and ensure children are secured in child safety seats designed for their weight and height
  • Always obey the speed limit and reduce speed during poor weather conditions and heavy traffic
  • Watch for pedestrians and children at crosswalks, intersections, neighborhoods, parks, and schools
  • Never drink and drive or operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs
  • Do not drive when you are drowsy or fatigued
  • Always obey all traffic laws
  • Practice good vehicle maintenance, including changing worn tires and windshield wipers and replacing burnt-out lights

For more safe driving tips, visit the NHTSA website.

Contact an Erie Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review

If you are injured in a car wreck, the other driver might be financially liable for your damages. However, you need to take steps to protect your legal rights and best interests. The steps you take after the accident could impact the amount of money you receive for an injury claim.

Before talking to an insurance company about the car crash, talk to a lawyer. Make sure you get the information about car accident claims from a trusted legal advocate for accident victims.

Call The Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066 to schedule your free legal consultation with an Erie car accident lawyer.