What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted Driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. ALL distractions endanger driver, passenger and bystander safety. Distractions occur any time you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your mind off your primary task - driving safely. Any non-driving activity you engage in while driving is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.
What Are the Types of Distractions?
There are basically three types of distractions:
- Manual - Taking your hands off the wheel
- Visual - Taking your eyes off the road
- Cognitive - Taking your mind off driving
Are you guilty of one of the most common driving distractions?
Common distractions include:
- Texting
- Talking to passengers
- Fatigue
- Using phone - talking, watching videos, changing music, etc.
- Grooming
- Alcohol/Drugs
- Eating/Drinking
- Adjusting music or temperature controls on car
- Emotions
11 Ways to Avoid Distracted Driving:
- Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind on the task.
- It can wait. Stay off your phone. It's illegal in most places.
- Never multi-task while driving.
- Pull over to look at directions.
- Save the grooming for the bathroom.
- Avoid eating and drinking while driving.
- Keep music at a reasonable level.
- Don't drive while under the influence - it's illegal.
- Avoid smoking while driving.
- Don't drive tired. Make sure you have plenty of rest before hopping behind the wheel.
- Avoid driving while upset or angry.
Driving while distracted is a danger regardless of the type of distraction. When you avoid distracted driving, you are keeping yourself, your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians safe. Remember: it can wait.
For more research about the dangers of distracted driving, visit End Distracted Driving.