Distractions while Driving

A recent survey revealed that texting and eating are two of the most common distractions while driving. Continue reading for more about these (as well as other such) distractions, and the dangers associated with them.

Distractions are quite common in a range of daily activities we do, right from reading a nice novel to watching a good movie. Though they are not of much concern while we indulge in such simple activities, the same distractions can turn out to be disastrous when they occur amidst activities which demand full attention, like studying or driving. In fact, these distractions can turn out to be hazardous - not just for you, but your fellow passengers as well as other people on the road.

Distractions while Driving - Facts and Statistics

When driving a vehicle, you need to have your full attention on the road. Lack of attention in this case, is bound to result in inability to control the vehicle, which in turn will result in an accident. There are a number of reasons for a person to get distracted while driving, however, most of these reasons are attributed to our ignorance about the basics of driving safety. Basically, driving requires proper coordination between the mind and the body, and any failure in the coordination between the two is a perfect recipe for a disaster.

Accidents caused as a results of distractions while driving can be categorized into two groups - accidents caused as a result of the eyes off the road (visual distraction) and accidents caused as a result of the mind off the road (cognitive distraction). Visual distractions include getting distracted by billboards or some accident along the road, while cognitive distractions include getting distracted by activities such as talking on the cell phone or being lost in ones own thoughts. Other than these two types of distractions, there is yet another type wherein the driver takes his hands off the steering wheel. Such distractions which compel the driver to take either of his hand off the steering wheel include texting, smoking, eating etc.

Dangerous Distractions

A recent study pertaining to the driving habits of the people conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that cell phone distractions while driving have a major share in the total number of car crashes in the United States. This cell phone distractions involved both, texting as well as talking on the phone while driving. Coming close second is the drivers attempt to reach to a moving object within the vehicle while driving. Other common distractions include looking outside the vehicle, personal grooming, reading, eating food, smoking or drinking, billboard advertisements and, at times, even scenic beauty. In some cases, the incidents happening within the car tend to distract the driver. Such distractions include children playing within the car, a pet let loose in the car or fellow passengers fighting over music selection.

How to Avoid these Distractions?

With so many ill-effects to its credit, getting distracted while driving can turn out to be immensely dangerous, and hence is best avoided. You just have to take some simple measures to ensure that you don't get distracted while driving. These simple measures to avoid disasters related to distracted driving include avoiding the use of a cell phone, not attempting multitasking when driving, etc. Basically, you need to take all the common distractions mentioned above into consideration, and make sure that you don't indulge in any of them. If at all you can't resist the urge to do a particular thing, like replying to a text message or smoke a cigarette, you can always pull the car to the side of the road and satisfy you urge.

More importantly, you also need to understand that parents are the biggest influence on children, and as a parent, you indulging in any such activity in the car can influence your children to do the same when they are at the wheel. Other than following the simple norms of road safety yourself, you also need to inculcate them in your children. At the end of the day, it is these norms of safe driving that can make your journey safe, and free of accidents.