Either we have witnessed or have heard stories of some of the crazy antics committed by our fellow motorists on the road. Some of the activities that people engage in while operating a motor vehicle are truly mind blowing. Doing a quick shave on the way to work? Why not? Putting on make-up in the rearview mirror? Sure. Catching up on the latest novel? Now is as good a time as any.
While some of this stuff is so absurd it’s comical, it is also a bit hair-raising. You want to share the road with someone who is reading the morning paper while driving? Yeah, neither do we. At the same time, distracted driving isn’t limited to the examples given above. Believe it or not, you may be guilty of driving while distracted a few times yourself.
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What Is Distracted Driving?
What classifies as an act of distracted driving is somewhat broad. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (D.O.T.)., it’s “any activity that a person engages in that has the potential to distract him or her from the road and increase the risk of crashing.” Fitting under this description are a number of activities: text messaging, fiddling with the radio, talking on cell phones, looking at GPS devices, using laptops, eating, drinking, etc.
The list above is extensive, but it is by no means exhaustive. Most of us can probably safely conclude that we have committed a form of distracted driving at one point or another. And what is troubling about this is how this can endanger ourselves and others on the road.
Dangers Of Distracted Driving
According to the Insurance Information Institute, 1.5 million collisions each year in the U.S. are due to distracted driving. This is a staggering 4,300 collisions per day. The D.O.T. reports that 20% of all crashes in 2009 resulted from distracted driving. Tragically, this inattentive driving caused 16% of all the driving related fatalities in 2009. Sadly, all of these crashes could have been easily avoided if the drivers had followed a few simple rules.
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How To Avoid Distracted Driving
It basically boils down to this – driving a car is an action that requires our utmost attention. Zooming down a road at 60 mph encased in a metal shell is not the time for personal grooming. Now we understand how driving can become a mundane chore. After all, it is something that most of us do everyday. But that doesn’t mean that you should forget the risks that are inherent with operating a motor vehicle. A devastating accident can occur in a fraction of a second. Our lives can be forever altered in the blink of an eye. So let’s choose other times to multi-task, okay?
So, try to refrain from eating and drinking while driving. If you have an urge to chomp down on some snacks, pull over. Chow down and then resume your journey. This includes sipping coffee. You don’t thinking enjoying a café latte on the way to work is dangerous? Try spilling that steaming beverage on lap and maintaining control of your vehicle. Also avoid any text messaging or cell phone related activity while motoring down the road. Almost all calls/messages can wait. If the call is urgent, pull over. Keep your attention on the road and stay safe.
Tell Your Teenager Not To Drive While Distracted
Teenagers are most susceptible to inattentive driving. If you are a parent, remind your teen to keep their focus on the road at all times. If your son or daughter likes to cruise around with a carload of friends, perhaps try to limit this activity. When teens are driving around with their friends, there is a much greater chance that they will be talking or doing other things and not have their attention where it should be. Gently remind your teen about the risks that come with driving. If it appears that they are not heeding your warnings, take more stringent action. There is simply too much at stake to allow your teen to engage in poor driving habits.
Stay Safe Out There
The point really is to all to make the roads and highways as safe as possible. An inattentive driver puts everyone at risk. We all need to recognize our poor driving habits and try to improve them. The less of us that are distracted while driving, the better off we all will be.
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