The Dangers of Distracted Driving in Winter Hazards

As we all know, winter is the most dangerous season to be driving on the roads. Chances are if you don’t live in California, you will most likely be using those trusted snow chains at some point over the next couple months.

This year states across the nation are bumping up awareness for the added danger of distracted driver during this already treacherous time. If you visit any of your local state highway agency websites, they should have safety tips and warnings for keeping you and your family safe this winter.

In Mahaska County Iowa, law enforcement officials are partnering with local non-profit health organization Mahaska Health Partnership to boost efforts in getting the word out to the citizens of the county.

“You can help prevent winter driving accidents by checking the forecast and practicing safe driving tips,” stated Dr. Matt Whitis, Mahaska Health Partnership’s standing Emergency Services and Chief Medical Officer “But when you make the choice to be a distracted driver, you aren’t just putting yourself at risk; you’re putting other drivers and pedestrians at risk too.”

Many especially worry about the use of texting while driving. Experts feel it is one thing to either take your eyes off the road, your hands off the steering wheel, or concentration elsewhere. In the case of texting, it is especially dangerous in that you are performing all three at the same time.

Compile this with the fact that the roads are already even more dangerous than they normally are due to snow and rain and you get a huge melting pot of potential disaster.

As in many states, Iowa has made texting while driving illegal. Some states even go so far as to ban any form of mobile device usage while driving on the roads.

One thing is for sure, while studies time and time again prove the dangers of distracted driving, it is likely many drivers will not learn their lesson this winter season until it is too late.

If you are involved in an accident due to a distracted driver this winter, contact a local personal injury and accident attorney immediately.