Taking your eyes off the road for a split second may feel harmless enough, but you could be putting yourself in danger. It only takes a moment for a distraction to change your life forever. Thousands of car accidents involving a distracted driver occur every year. This has led to many easily preventable injuries and deaths.
There are so many different distractions in society today that drivers must be aware of how each one impacts the way they drive. Some people struggle with concentrating on the road. Others get bored and seek out different ways to entertain themselves. This has turned distracted driving into one of the greatest threats to public health because it can affect everyone. Fortunately, this is an issue that is preventable by merely taking an interest in how to avoid distractions while driving.
Put your cell phone down
Potentially the greatest threat to your safety on the road is the small device that you carry around in your pocket. Your cell phone allows you to make calls, send text messages, take photos, surf the internet and browse social media. All these activities are extremely harmful in the context of distracted driving.
When you travel at a high speed, it can only take a fraction of a second to get into an accident. The moment you look down at your cell phone to check a text message can leave you vulnerable and put other drivers at risk at well. Find a safe place to put your cell phone away while you are driving to avoid this distraction. In case of an emergency, take the time to pull over to the side of the road before
Avoid multitasking
When you get behind the wheel of a car, the only thing you should be doing is watching the road. It may seem simple enough to finish your lunch or comb your hair, but these distractions can make driving more challenging. This naturally increases the likelihood of getting into an accident.
For the safety of both yourself and other drivers, you must fight the urge to multitask. When you perform multiple tasks at the same time, your concentration is split between both objectives. This can lower your response time and leave you susceptible to an unexpected change on the road. Driving can be monotonous, but it is better to suffer from boredom than a significant injury.
Stay focused on the road
Everyone is guilty of daydreaming. You start to think about something that occurred earlier in the day and suddenly realize that you have not been present in the moment for an extended period. This is completely harmless when you are sitting on your couch at home but can be dangerous when you are behind the wheel of a car.
Keeping an eye on your surroundings best prepares you for unexpected events such as a pedestrian walking out into the middle of an intersection at an inopportune time. Staying focused is the best possible way to remain safe from the hazards of the road and help prevent distracted driving.
