A four car crash in Elk Grove left five people injured on Sunday. Three drivers were sent to the hospital after the accident. A female driver returning home from the grocery store received the most serious injuries and is in critical condition. As of Sunday night, her status was unknown. The fourth injured driver declined treatment at the scene and wasn’t hospitalized.
The accident occurred when a green Suzuki was hit by a blue Lexus. The Lexus was driving on Dwight Road and attempted to make a left-hard turn and crossed the median into oncoming traffic. The resulting crash created a domino effect. The cause of the crash is not yet known.
How to avoid distracted driving
Most individuals understand that drunk driving and speeding are harmful driving behaviors, however, there are still other distractions that drivers face. Distracted driving refers to anything that will take the driver’s mind or eyes off of the act of driving itself. This includes using a phone for calling or texting, changing the radio, talking to passengers, adjusting mirrors, and so on. Any non-driving act is considered to be distracted driving and can cause a serious car accident.
Any of these behaviors can cause several problems, especially when there are other drivers on the road and pedestrians around. The best way to avoid the dangers of distracted driving is to focus entirely on the road, obey traffic laws, and be mindful of pedestrians and other drivers on the road.
Here are some helpful hints how to prevent distracted driving:
• Make adjustments to GPS, mirrors, climate controls, etc. before beginning your trip. Also, try to have a clear idea of the route you’re taking to prevent quick stops or turns, potential traffic, and weather conditions.
• Make sure there are no loose items in the car that can roll around during the trip. This will prevent you from trying to reach for them while driving. Even worse, something getting caught by the gas and brake.
• Don’t groom in the car while driving. No makeup, brushing hair, etc. Make sure this is done before your trip. This can be extremely distracting.
• Try to eat before a trip. If eating on the road is unavoidable, try to make it something that isn’t too messy.
• Secure children and pets before driving. If you have to reach into the backseat, this will take your eyes off of the road. This can also cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Electronic devices shouldn’t be used while driving. Even hands free devices have been shown to possess a similar effect of texting while driving.
• Try not to adjust the radio while driving. This can take your eyes off of the road as well.
• If a phone call or text needs to be sent, or some other activity within the car, have a passenger do it for you. Passengers are able to help reduce distractions as well.
It is best to try to keep distractions, no matter how minor, at bay while driving. Even the slightest distraction is able to cause an accident because of the speeds at which you’re moving.
Although distracted driving is probably impossible to completely prevent, there is a lot that can be done to minimize it. This will make sure you’re focused on the road and cutting back on the chance of an accident.
