Common Apps That Distract Drivers and Lead to Car Accidents

The average American driver spends close to an hour each day driving. During that time, many drivers are using their smartphones to do everything from checking Facebook to making phone calls. It’s no wonder that distracted driving has become such a huge problem. In this article, we’ll look at common apps drivers use behind the wheel that can cause distractions. We’ll also discuss some of the dangers of using these apps while driving and offer tips to help you stay safe while on the road.

Common Apps That Cause Distracted Driving

Drivers use many apps on their smartphones that can cause distractions. Some of the most common include:

• Social media apps like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

• Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat,

• Navigation apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps

• Music streaming apps like Spotify and Pandora

• Video streaming apps like YouTube and Netflix

Each of these apps can pose a distraction to drivers, whether it’s by taking their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their mind off of driving. Let’s take a closer look at each of these dangers.

Visual

Taking your eyes off the road, even for a second, can be dangerous. When you’re using your smartphone, you’re not looking at the road ahead of you. As a result, you could miss something important, like a stop sign or a pedestrian crossing the street.

Manual

When you’re using your smartphone, you’re not able to control your car properly. Unfortunately, you could swerve into oncoming traffic or veer off the road.

Cognitive

When you’re using your smartphone, you’re not focused on the task of driving. This means that you could make a mistake, like forgetting to signal when changing lanes.

Tips for Staying Safe While Driving

Pull over

If you need to use your smartphone, the best thing you can do is find a safe place to pull over. Once you’re parked, you can use your phone without putting yourself or others at risk.

Turn off notifications

If you’re getting too many notifications on your phone, turn them off. That way, you won’t be tempted to look at your phone while driving.

Put your phone away

The best way to avoid distracted driving is to put your phone away. If you can’t see it, you won’t be tempted to use it.

Involved in a Distracted Driving Accident?

Distracted driving is a serious problem, and it’s only getting worse as people become more and more reliant on their smartphones. If you’re ever injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, get in touch with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney to ensure your legal right to compensation is protected.