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A new study released in July 2015 by FSU (Florida State University) "finds that message notifications are as disruptive as actually using the phone." The FSU study titled, "The Attentional Cost of Receiving a Cell Notification" published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance,  found that even a quiet vibration could cause a distraction that would impair the driver's ability to focus. This lack of focus was as much of a distraction as actually using the cell phone or texting. The study was led by Cary Stothart, a psychology doctoral student. It is the first study done examining the effect of cell phone notifications on performance.

"Although these notifications are generally short in duration, they can prompt task-irrelevant thoughts, or mind-wandering, which has been shown to damage task performance," the researchers wrote in the paper. "Cellular phone notifications alone significantly disrupt performance on an attention-demanding task, even when participants do not directly interact with a mobile device during the task."

To safely control a vehicle requires a driver's full attention in order to respond to situations that occur while driving. Anything that can divert a driver's eyes, mind, or hands can lead to an accident caused by distraction.

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) reported in April 2013 that an estimated 660 thousand drivers use cell phones or electronic devices while driving at any given daylight moment in spite of the fact that 44 states and the District of Columbia have outlawed texting while driving.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 25 percent of all traffic accidents are caused by distracted driving, specifically cell phone use while driving.

Here are the American Automobile Association's (AAA) top 10 tips to avoid distractions while driving:

1. As a general rule, if you cannot devote your full attention to driving because of some other activity, it is a distraction. Take care of it before or after your trip, not while behind the wheel.

2. If another activity demands your attention, instead of trying to attempt it while driving, pull off the road, and stop your vehicle in a safe place. To avoid temptation, power down, or stow devices before heading out.

3. If you have passengers, enlist their help so you can focus safely on driving.

4. Put aside your electronic distractions. Do not use cell phones while driving - hand-held or hands-free. Never use text messaging, email functions, video games, or the internet with a wireless device, including those built into the vehicle, while driving.

5. Secure children and pets before getting underway. If they need your attention, pull off the road safely to care for them. Reaching into the back seat could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

6. Snack smart. If possible, eat meals or snacks before or after your trip, not while driving. On the road, avoid messy foods that can be difficult to manage.

7. Finish dressing and personal grooming at home, before you get on the road.

8. Make adjustments before you get underway. Address vehicle systems like your GPS, seats, mirrors, climate controls, and sound systems before hitting the road. Decide on your route and check traffic conditions ahead of time.

9. Store loose gear, possessions, and other distractions that could roll around in the car, so you do not feel tempted to reach for them on the floor or the seat.

10. Fully focus on driving. Do not let anything divert your attention; actively scan the road; use your mirrors and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.

 "If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a distracted driver, contact the personal injury attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights," said Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.