Whether you’re worried that your safe driving habits have slipped over the past while or there is a new driver in your family that you’re trying to teach safe driving to, you can’t avoid the topic of distracted driving. Being distracted while driving is a leading loss of road accidents and casualties. As such, it’s important to be aware of what distractions most often cause trouble.
Using the phone
Nowadays, there’s a lot of technology being used to make using the phone in the car more convenient such as hands-free installations. However, if safe driving is your main priority, then you simply should not use them and attempt to avoid using your phone while on the road as best as possible. It’s one of the leading causes of distraction-related car accidents because it forces you to split your focus between your phone and the road.
Friends in the car
This is an especially prescient risk for any young drivers. Being able to drive, especially as a younger person, offers exciting new opportunities for teens and their friends, and, all too often, the car can become as much of a social spot as anything else. However, driving with friends in the car can be dangerous, so the driver needs to be able to establish some ground rules and avoid letting any distracting behaviour slip by.
Windshield issues
There are all kinds of car malfunctions and issues that can prove to be something of a distraction. However, windshield issues such as a dirty windshield or a crack can be particularly distracting and, what’s more, can impact the driver’s field of vision. Keeping the windshield clean and, if necessary, seeking out repair or windscreen replacement is crucial. Don’t let the issue linger even if it’s only a small crack. If it’s enough to grab your focus while driving, it’s enough to cause real harm.
Food and drink
When you’re in a rush, it’s all too easy to grab a bite to eat and drink to bring in the car with you. However, you have to be careful in how it impacts your driving. If you’re not able to stop yourself from reaching for your food or drink while driving, or if they occupy your hand when you’re trying to navigate the road, it’s best not to bring them with you at all. While cupholders are useful, they can still prove distracting.
A wandering mind
It can be difficult to prescribe tips on how to avoid letting your mind wander while you are driving, but it is important. Simply put, people get lost in thought or get distracted from the road even when there is nothing particularly distracting there. Defensive driving courses can help drivers avoid the complacency that leads to this kind of distraction, helping them always be more aware of the situation on the road and what to do to maintain safety as best as possible.
The examples above are not the only distractions that you should be mindful of, but they are some of the most common and potentially troublesome. Maintaining focus on the road should always be a priority, don’t allow any slip-ups.
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