Every driver is taught that distractions while behind the wheel of a car or any other vehicle can be dangerous. Unfortunately, despite that knowledge, everyone thinks they will be the exception and can multitask at the wheel without any consequences. Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons for car accidents. In fact, in 2023, there were 3275 deaths in the United States attributed to distracted driving. Early indications suggest that when figures for 2024 are confirmed, there could be as much as a 48% increase!

With this in mind, as a car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN, we have put together a few tips to help you avoid distracted driving.

Silence Your Phone When At The Wheel

One of the biggest distractions for drivers is using a mobile phone while driving. The most effective way to eliminate this particular distraction is to remove it from the equation! Turn off your phone or switch it to silent, then tuck it away in the glove compartment or another spot where it is not easy to reach. This will eliminate the temptation to answer calls or fire off a quick text. If you absolutely need to make or accept a call, it is best to pull over in a safe place, turn off the engine, and then use the phone.

Set Clear Boundaries

Sometimes you have the best of intentions when it comes to avoiding distractions while driving, but as a car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN, I always hear from drivers who say they were distracted by someone else. That is why it is so important to set clear boundaries with friends and family. Make it clear that you will not be responding to calls or messages when you are driving and ask that nobody call you during times they know you are at the wheel. You should also set your boundaries with passengers in your vehicle to make sure they know not to distract you.

Always Pre-Plan Your Route

Aside from phone distractions, as a car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN, another device contributing to the high numbers of distracted driving incidents is GPS! It is a good idea to plan your route ahead of time and study the route so you are familiar with it and can navigate with just short glances at your GPS screen. If pre-planning is not possible, you can reduce distractions by setting your GPS before setting off and not fiddling with the settings while driving. If you need to adjust the device for any reason, it is best to pull over first.

Secure Loose Items

During a sudden stop, unsecured items inside your vehicle can quickly become dangerous projectiles, creating distractions or even causing injury. Keeping loose objects in your center console, glove compartment, or other secure storage areas helps maintain safety and focus on the road. If a distracted driver's negligence leads to a crash, a car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN can help protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.

Get To Know Your Vehicle

Familiarizing yourself with your vehicle's controls can make a significant difference in staying focused on the road. Take time to learn how to operate essential functions—like adjusting mirrors, changing audio settings, or using cruise control—by touch alone. Practice finding buttons on your steering wheel or dashboard without glancing down, and make sure frequently used items are within easy reach before you start driving. The more comfortable you are behind the wheel, the less likely you are to become distracted by unnecessary movements or visual searches while on the road.

Never Drive When Tired

Driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Drowsiness slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and increases the risk of drifting out of your lane. Make sure you're well-rested before getting behind the wheel—especially for long trips—and plan to take a break every two hours or every 100 miles to stay alert. Recognize early signs of fatigue, such as yawning, heavy eyelids, or trouble focusing. These precautions are particularly vital for long-haul truck drivers and anyone who spends extended hours on the road, as maintaining full alertness can prevent serious accidents and save lives.

Don't Eat Behind The Wheel

Eating while driving may seem convenient, but it significantly increases your risk of an accident. Taking one hand off the wheel or glancing down to unwrap food diverts your attention from the road, reducing reaction time and control. It's best to plan ahead and schedule proper meal breaks, especially on longer trips. If a distracted driver causes a collision, an experienced car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN, can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Distracted driving is a growing concern, and even the slightest lapse in attention can have devastating consequences. By silencing your phone, setting boundaries, planning your route, and eliminating other distractions, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road. However, if you are injured because of another driver's negligence, a skilled car accident lawyer in Knoxville, TN can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Stay focused, drive safely, and remember—no distraction is worth a life.

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Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.

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