We spend more time in our cars more than we probably think. Other than commuting to and from work, we also driving around for shopping, grocery stock up, visiting friends and family. Because we spend so much time in our vehicles, the chance for driving distractions is much higher than ever before. Radio, music, cell phone, in-car technology, food and drink, talking with passengers, all can become the major distractions while we are on the road. You need to be careful of these distractions, they are taking your eyes off the road!
Here are the major distractions that taking your eyes off the road:
Talking
A conversation with a passenger is relatively safe. Since the passenger can stop talking immediately and allow the driver to focus on the road. Especially when the driver provides cues like “Hold on for a second.” In addition, the passenger in the car is often aware of surroundings and can stop the conversation whenever it needs to.
However, while a driver is on their phone, the phone distractions could take your eyes off the road. It’s because a phone conversation highly tasks the cerebrum. Our brains have to work harder in order to pick up verbal cues while the visual cues are absence.
In Car Technology
We all know that texting and driving is a major distraction that takes your eyes off the road and can create a dangerous situation. Besides cell phones, there are other electronic distractions in our cars. GPS, radio, music, onboard computers, these in-car technology has gotten so prevalent that we are so used to play with them while driving. Typing a location into the GPS, fiddling with the radio, cranking the A/C or heater, all these electronic distractions are taking your eyes off the road. If you are behind the wheel, it is time to put down your phone and ignore the electronic distractions in your vehicle.
Food & Drink
Need a quick snack? Because you are so hungry or thirsty on your way home from work. While eating and drinking seem minor, but it’s a major distraction that has caused more than a few accidents over the years. Like texting and driving, drivers could be charged as much as $400 for a single offense for eating while driving in Canada. More impotently, just for safety, smart drivers avoid distractions at all costs.
Daydreaming, Emotional
When you task your brain on a high concentration work, your mind is unavailable for deep thoughts. While we spend more time in our cars more than we probably think, daydreaming or zoning out on the road has become a common distraction. Emotional driving is another type of distracted driving. These are significant factors in distracted driving accidents nowadays. Only drive when you have a clear mind is the most important safety rule that you should keep in mind.
Children and Pets
Before driving, taking time to ensure your children and infants are securely fastened in, clean-diapered. Prepare pets for short or longer trips by feeding or vacating them before leaving as well. When it comes to kids or pets, things happen quickly. Although it’s instinctive to comfort a fussing child immediately, it is much safer to wait for a roadside stop opportunity.
Distracted driving is a major cause of car-related injuries and deaths. Be aware of these major distractions you can face while driving can help you prepare for your trip and drive safe.
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