Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on the road, leading to thousands of injuries and deaths every year. Despite the widespread knowledge of its dangers, many drivers still engage in activities that take their attention away from the road. This article will explore the most common distractions while driving and provide concrete steps to help you stay focused and avoid these dangerous behaviors.
Common Distractions While Driving
Using Your Phone and Texting
Why It’s Dangerous: Texting and driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving. Sending texts, calling people, or using other apps on your phone can completely divert your attention from the road. Reading a text for 5 seconds can take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds, at 55 MPH that’s the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) found that using a handheld cell phone increases the risk of a crash 3.6 times compared to not using a phone.
Eating and Drinking
Why It’s Dangerous: Eating and drinking while driving requires the use of at least one hand and your mental focus. This distraction can reduce your ability to react quickly and make any last second maneuvers to avoid any road hazards. A 2013 study done by the NHTSA reports that eating or drinking while driving can increase the odds of getting into an accident by up to 80%.
Adjusting the Car
Why It’s Dangerous: Your eyes should be on the road at all times while you are driving, and if you are spending time changing your music then it diverts your attention from what’s important. Adjusting your radio, moving your seat, changing your A.C, or setting up your GPS can take your eyes off the road and reduce your ability to react to any changes in the road.
Daydreaming or Zoning Out
Why It’s Dangerous: Sometimes we drive on “auto-pilot” where we aren’t fully focused on the action of driving and letting our mind wander to less important things. It is critical that we keep our minds active and focused on the road ahead of us. According to the NHTSA distracted driving or inattentive driving is responsible for 13% of all accidents in 2021, making it crucial that we keep our eyes and minds occupied with the act of driving while on the road.
Steps to Avoid Distracted Driving
Put Your Phone Away
Place your phone in a glove compartment, bag, or any location that is out of reach or harder to access while driving. Try utilizing apps or phone settings that can block notifications while driving to help reduce temptations. Without the constant lure of checking your phone, your focus will remain on the road ahead of you.
Plan Your Route Before You Start Driving
Before you hit the road, set your GPS, adjust all of your mirrors, seats, steering wheel, and climate controls. This will decrease the amount of mid-trips adjustments you may need to make, allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Avoid Eating and Drinking While Driving
Eat before you start driving or pull over into a parking lot or a safe place if you need to eat during your trip. For drinks, try using a spill proof container and avoid taking sips during heavy traffic. Eating food and drinking requires valuable focus time that could be spent on the road, by cutting out eating as much as possible you greatly increase your safety.
Stay Mentally Engaged:
Driving drowsy or zoning out is incredibly dangerous, and when you notice yourself zoning out try to take steps to re-engage your mind. This can include turning your radio volume up, singing along to a song, doing mental exercises, or scanning your eyes across the road for any potential hazards. Keeping your mind active helps to ensure that you are fully aware of your surroundings and allows you to be ready to act at any sudden changes.
Use “Do Not Disturb” Features
Most smart phones now have a feature called “Do Not Disturb While Driving”. If you activate this mode it will automatically silence all calls and texts while your vehicle is in motions. This peace of mind will allow you to keep your focus entirely on the road instead of on your phone.
Driving requires your full attention at all times. By understanding the common distractions and taking steps to avoid them, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident. Remember, every time that you get behind the wheel, you are responsible not just for your safety, but for the safety of everyone around you. By making a commitment to stay focused, you are doing your part to make the roads safer for everyone.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Call LifeLaw Personal Injury today for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you navigate the complexities of a personal injury claim.