Do you know the dangers of distracted driving?
Driving while you’re preoccupied with other things increases your risk of crashing significantly. Distracted driving is up there with drunk driving when it comes to danger, yet people don’t apply the same danger level to it.
How do you avoid distracted driving? After reading this guide, you’ll know the types of distractions and find ways to avoid them. That way, you can make safer journeys. Without further delay, let’s begin!
Visual Distraction
Visual distraction is one of the main types of distracted driving and refers to any activity that takes a driver’s eyes off the road. This experience happens when a driver looks away from the road to look at something either inside or outside the car.
Examples of visual distractions include looking at a cell phone, trying to read a map or GPS, reaching for something, or looking around to talk to passengers. The list of visual distractions goes on and all can lead to danger to everyone on the road.
To avoid visual distractions, drivers should always keep their eyes on the road. Do not look away from the road to read text messages, check social media, or attend to any matters that don’t pertain to driving. Whenever possible, use hands-free technology to help make calls.
If a driver is lost, they should not wait until they reach a certain point to pull over and look at their map or GPS. Try to plan and have a clear destination in mind before getting on the road. It’s also important to remember that eating and drinking while driving can even be a kind of distraction.
Do everything you need to do to ensure that both your eyes are focused on the road to ensure safety. Visual distraction can be avoided, making roads much safer.
Manual Distraction
Manual distraction is when a driver takes one or both hands off the wheel to do something unrelated to driving, such as grooming, eating, drinking, reaching for something in the glove compartment or back seat, or using your phone or other devices. This type of distracted driving is one of the most dangerous, as taking your hands off the wheel means that you have no full control over the car.
To avoid manual distraction, it is important to set up your vehicle in a way that allows you to have everything you need easily within reach. This can be done by making sure all of your car’s controls are in a comfortable and easy-to-reach location. Make sure all of the items you need during your drive like your phone, wallet, food, and drink, are within arm’s reach when you pull over.
When you must reach for an item, it is essential to pull over in a safe location and stop the car in the designated area. If you want to eat, set it up a few minutes before you eat so you can concentrate on the road and ensure safe driving.
In addition, one of the driving tips is to not answer calls or texts until you have safely pulled over to the side of the road. Always remember that texting and driving do not go together and can lead to a crash.
Finally, the best way to avoid manual distractions while driving is to plan ahead and just simply say no. Don’t start an activity that will require your attention and your hands away from the wheel, it is one of the common reasons for a road crash.
With a little planning and preparation before you start driving, you can ensure your safe driving.
Cognitive Distraction
Cognitive distraction is perhaps the most dangerous type of distracted driving. It is especially dangerous because it is difficult to recognize and is often unnoticed by the driver until it has caused a problem. Cognitive distraction is when drivers engage in different activities that take their mental focus away from the road.
Examples of cognitive distractions can include daydreaming, overthinking, planning, or worrying while driving. Things such as deep conversations or loud music can cause this type of cognitive distraction.
Drowsy or driving with the feeling of overfatigue is also another example of cognitive distraction. This example is usually the reason for crashes and there is a need for professionals to solve such crashes. A truck accident attorney here can be helpful if this occurs.
To avoid cognitive distraction, drivers should strive to remain focused and present while they are on the road. This means reducing conversations or activities in the car that are not necessary. It is essential to remind ourselves to keep our focus on the road.
Taking regular breaks, listening to calming music, or applying calming scents in the vehicle are some methods that have been suggested to reduce cognitive distraction. Taking active steps to reduce cognitive distraction will help ensure safe and distraction-free driving.
All About Distracted Driving
Avoiding distractions while driving is a key factor in keeping yourself and other drivers safe. To stay focused and avoid distracted driving, it is important to ditch any screens, drinks, cigarettes, or food.
Also, store away your things before getting behind the wheel so that you are not tempted to reach or reach for them. Put safety first by being a responsible driver and don’t let distractions take control!
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Veronica Baxter is a writer, blogger, and legal assistant operating out of the greater Philadelphia area.
