Distracted driving is a serious problem on the roads in America, but it doesn’t have to be. While there is no surefire cure for distracted driving, there are actions that people can take to greatly reduce the likelihood of causing or being involved in a distracted driving collision.
Some of the most common causes of distractions behind the wheel include:
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Watching videos
- Smoking
- Eating or drinking
- Reading
- Using a navigation system
- Adjusting the radio
- Using a phone to call or text
Unfortunately, these actions have the potential to lead to a crash if a driver is distracted by them.
What can you do to reduce distractions in your vehicle?
The easiest way to reduce distractions is by making an effort to avoid them. For example, if you have passengers in your vehicle, talk to them before you start driving and explain the kinds of behaviors you expect in your vehicle.
If you are meeting with friends or heading to work, don’t groom yourself on the way. Wait until you arrive in the parking lot or get ready before you go. The extra few minutes grooming yourself takes won’t make a significant difference in the time it takes to arrive, even if you do them before you go.
Similarly, with eating and drinking, it’s better to pull over and eat or drink than to drive while you try to. Eating and drinking takes your hands and mind off the wheel, which could mean you aren’t paying attention or can’t respond quickly to problems on the road.
Finally, with radios and navigation systems, it’s smart to get them set up before you go. If you absolutely need to change them or input information, pull over or have someone who is a passenger in your vehicle make the changes for you.
There is no cure for distractions, but you can prevent them
There is no cure for distractions, but you can prevent them if you take the time to actively minimize them. Distractions are harmful to everyone on the road, so it’s important to reduce them whenever that’s a possibility.
