We have all been guilty of being somewhat distracted while driving. However, due to the increase in the number of distracted and inattentive drivers, there has been a surge in the number of car accidents. It is important to avoid all sorts of distractions while driving and completely focus on the road to avoid dire consequences for yourself and others. On that note, here are a few ways that you can prevent distractions.
Limit the Use of Cellphones
It is no surprise that the use of a cellphone while driving is among the main reasons behind so many car accidents. According to a study, there were over 50,000 car accidents in the US caused by the use of cell phones while driving in 2019. Texting and driving is a pretty common practice among teenagers that must be avoided at all costs for the safety of the other drivers on the road as well as themselves. The mobile phone must be used for emergency situations only. However, it is advised that if you must make an emergency call while driving, it is best to pull over and then make the call. Earphones and mics can also act as a distraction for you. With that said, casual calls are seriously frowned upon and must be avoided. If you’re caught using your mobile phone while driving, police officers may give you a ticket or fine you.
Don’t Drive if You Feel Drowsy
If you feel tired or drowsy, then it is best to pull over and get away from traffic. Drowsiness is extremely dangerous as it can cause you to doze off and actually fall asleep at the wheel. This increases the risk of car crashes by four times. A study depicted that in 2017 there were over 91,000 police-reported crashes in the US because the driver had fallen asleep or dozed off. It is good to get off the road if you are sleepy or tired. Getting home faster may not be the best option; instead, it is best to park at a safe, lighted, designated rest stop to take a nap and then continue your ride home.
Don’t Drink and Drive
You may feel like you can drive after only one or two drinks at an event but it is best to hitch a ride with a friend or call a taxi service. While you may only be experiencing a slight buzz, this may be considered the same as drunk driving. As any car accident lawyer in South Carolina would explain, you can be charged with drunk driving if your blood contains 0.08% of alcohol concentration. The alcohol concentration in your blood depends on many factors. However, it is advised to avoid driving after drinking any sort of alcohol.
Limit the Number of Passengers
In order to reduce distractions while driving, you should not travel with too many passengers in the car. Driving with your friends may distract you as they may engage you in talking and other activities that tempt you to avert your eyes away from the road. The driving laws in most states prohibit teenagers from driving with their friends in their early months behind the wheel as the presence of fellow teenagers in a car may lead them to engage in reckless behavior or cause them to focus on their friends more than the road, putting everyone’s lives at risk.
Don’t Eat While Driving
It may seem like a good idea to have breakfast in the car before work or school when you’re pressed for time, but it’s really not. It causes the driver to become distracted as their brain’s attention is divided between eating and driving. Moreover, you may spill your coffee or food on yourself which can distract you from driving and it may even prove to be fatal. It is also important to avoid selecting music on the phone while driving as this can distract you from your surroundings. It is essential to set your mirrors and settle in before you start the car. Getting distracted for even a minute can be dangerous.
It is important to realize that multitasking is strictly discouraged while driving as it can distract you from focusing on the road. You must not read while driving or try to change clothes when you’re behind the wheel. It is necessary to put your child in their car seat and keep your pets in a crate to ensure they’re safe. This will help you focus on the road without worrying about their safety and wellbeing. It is also good to practice patience while driving as road rage is also a leading cause of car accidents. You must try your best to be attentive, patient, and vigilant for the sake of everyone’s safety.
