4 Major Distractions While Driving
Driving is an activity that certainly becomes second nature after a time, but that doesn’t mean that we can just completely lose focus on the road and forget major distractions while driving! In 2019, approximately 38,800 people died in car crashes. While this is a reduction from the year prior, any mortality from automobile accidents is one too many. Many of these accidents are caused by simple distractions on the road that result in tragedy.
The trick to not doing these is to bring awareness to the fact that you’re doing them. Let’s take a look at 4 of the most common distractions on the road.
1 – Distractions While Driving – Cell Phone Use While Driving
In the year 2020, everyone is married to their smartphone on some level. Smartphones have become ubiquitous throughout our society, and getting by without one has become increasingly difficult. In this one device, we handle work, socializing, entertainment, reading, listening to music, etc.
We are so attached to our devices that we use them even when we should not, such as when driving. Texting and driving or phone usage while driving is one of the leading causes of traffic incidences both major and minor. This study examines the impact of phone usage, the results are what you’d expect: reduced reaction times, sloppy lane changes, impaired ability to gauge road conditions, etc.
It’s simple, do not use your phone while driving. If you must make a call or answer a text in case of emergencies, pull over to a safe location to do so.
2 – Distractions While Driving – Eating and Drinking is one of the major distractions while driving
Life can get pretty hectic, we understand. It may be tempting to save some time in your busy schedule by eating your food while commuting, however, much like with cellphone use, eating and drinking provide to be major distractions while driving from the conditions of the road. Having a drink such as water in an easy to access container won’t present too much of an issue, but having to unscrew a cap or something similar can be all it takes miss something critical on the road and be involved in a traffic incident.
Eating food is out of the question while operating a motor vehicle. Not only will you likely spill or drop crumbs, making it much more likely to have insects in your car, but the task of eating itself will occupy at least one of your hands and take your attention elsewhere.
3 – Distractions While Driving – Daydreaming or Getting Lost in Thoughts
Many people have remarked about the wonderful state of mind a nice drive can induce. However, by and large, driving is something we do to get to where we need to go, whether that is work, school, or running errands. It is easy to drift off and get lost in our thoughts thinking about what needs to be done today, this week, etc. Or perhaps thinking about the events happening in our lives, whatever the case, these distractions seem harmless, but can be downright dangerous.
4 – Other Passengers in the Car
It would be silly to say don’t ever have other passengers in the car! However, especially for teens, friends can especially be major distractions while driving. While we can’t control what other people do except for making suggestions that our passengers behave, never let yourself be distracted by your passengers. Mostly, this means keeping your eyes on the road.
Many drivers have a bad habit of taking their eyes off the road when speaking to their passengers. Ordinarily, it’s polite to look at someone when you speak to them, but in the case of being the driver, you are exempt from this courtesy!
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Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents the world over. Never forget you are barreling down the road in a couple of tons of steel. Things can happen quickly on the road, and so it is important to keep as much of your focus on the road as possible.
Learning to drive can be both a scary and exciting experience. The newfound sense of freedom that operating a motor vehicle provides is worth the trouble!
Contact Legacy Driving Academy in Phoenix, Arizona today to learn more about our driving lessons and packages we offer!
