Distracted driving significantly contributes to recent car collision statistics. It is your duty, as the driver, to make sure that you and your passengers arrive at your destination safely. All other pursuits are secondary. Read on to discover some of the most dangerous distractions while driving.
Cell Phone Use
47% of drivers admit to talking on a cell phone in the car, and 35% say they have texted while driving. According to Wired, the average driver spends 3.5 minutes on the phone per one hour trip, a stat that sounds worse when you realize just a two-second distraction increases your risk of crashing by 20 percent. Just looking at your cell phone to send a quick text increases your chance to be in an accident by 23 times! Make a quick phone call before you put the car in gear to confirm plans, and to advise the people you will be meeting up with that you are leaving now and will not be answering your phone while you drive. Plug the address into your GPS and turn the rest of your phone notifications to “Do Not Disturb.” If you get a phone call that you think is extremely urgent, take the time to carefully pull off to the side of a quiet street to call the person back. Return to your route only after you have hung up the phone.
Food Consumption
87% of drivers admit to occasionally dining while driving. A car drive might seem like the perfect time to snack but as eating typically involves the use of your eyes and hands it is actually the perfect recipe for disaster. If you must eat, eat either before you leave or after you arrive.
Music
According to Craig Swapp, driving while distracted by a cell phone, GPS system, radio station, or passenger are all dangerous driving practices that not only put the driver’s life in jeopardy, but the lives of others sharing the road. Additionally, 59% of drivers play the radio loudly while driving. Make sure to start your music before you begin driving so that you do not have to fumble with the radio or your phone after you get started. Keep the volume low enough so that you can hear traffic accidents, horns, or sirens over the music. Situational awareness will help to keep you from getting into an accident.
Your Appearance
Numerous drivers have admitted to finishing getting dressed in the car. Pulling a shirt over your head, lining your lashes, or putting your belt through the pant loops all require the attention of your eyes and hands. This means that while you are doing those activities you are not driving. Letting your car drive itself is exactly as dangerous as it sounds.
Passengers
Your passengers have entrusted you with their safe keeping. However, as the driver, it is your responsibility to inform them if their discussion, roughhousing, or music is distracting you from your duties as a driver. Remember, it is your responsibility as a driver to keep you, your passengers, and the drivers around you safe from the harm of distracted driving.
While insurance is there to help you when accidents and perhaps even tragedy strike, it’s important that you do your best to remain responsible and protect yourself and others while on the road.
