Driving distractions are a problem that we all face. Whether you’re driving down the street or on your way to work, distractions can be commonplace and dangerous. Here is a list of distractions to avoid while driving so that you can stay safe and focused on the road ahead!
Cell Phones
Texting and driving is such a common problem that there are campaigns all over the state of Georgia that appeal to drivers to stop doing it. Every single Lawrenceville car accident lawyer will explain that doing this can cause an accident, and it is very important to avoid cell phones as a distraction while driving. It’s dangerous and illegal.
Talking on your phone while driving is just as risky and can be even more dangerous than texting. Drivers need to stay focused on the road, and that’s hard to do when you’re chatting on the phone.
Talking To Passengers
Passengers can destroy your focus while driving. It is important to be aware of the potential dangers and distractions talking to them can cause. Some common examples are:
- Having a conversation that takes your focus off the road
- Looking away from the road to see who is talking to you
- Reaching for something in the backseat or passenger seat
- Fiddling with the radio, air conditioning, or heat controls
All of these activities can take your attention away from what’s happening on the road. In some cases, they can even lead to an accident. For this reason, it’s best not to talk to passengers when you’re behind the wheel. If you need to speak with someone, pull over safely before doing. Remember that your safety, and theirs, are more important than talking.
If you feel they will break your concentration, tell them to be quiet or ask them to wait until you have stopped. It’s not worth the risk.
The Radio
Many drivers start adjusting the radio the second they get in the car. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it can be a major distraction while driving. It’s important to find a station or type of music you enjoy before getting on the road and leave it at that. Don’t keep adjusting the volume or changing the song. That can wait until you’re done driving.
Also, when the music is too loud, it can be hard to hear the sounds of the cars around you. That can lead to dangerous situations on the road. Be aware of your surroundings and the other drivers around you. If the radio is too loud, you might not be able to hear them honking or warning you about something ahead.
It’s also important to note that many states have laws against using a phone while driving. That includes listening to music on the phone.
Eating And Drinking
Snacking behind the wheel is one of the most common distractions drivers face. When you’re eating or drinking, your hands are taken off the wheel and your eyes are off the road. This increases your chances of getting in a car accident.
In addition to being a major distraction, eating and drinking while driving can also be dangerous. Food and drinks can fly out of your hand and into the driver’s seat or onto the windshield. If you’re eating something messy, like chicken wings, it can even block your view and impede your ability to safely drive.
It’s best to avoid eating and drinking while driving whenever possible. If you must eat or drink, try to do so only when you’re stopped.
Map Reading
While looking at the navigation system, you’re ignoring the road. You should avoid map reading. Even if you try to pay attention, map reading can cause serious problems on the road. When driving, your eyes are constantly moving between the road and map screen. This is tiring for your eyes as well as upsetting because it prevents you from focusing completely on what’s happening around you while driving.
If possible, ask someone else to read out directions or place a phone call so that you don’t have to look at the map yourself. If this isn’t possible, only check the map when necessary and concentrate 100% of your focus on what’s happening around you.
Rubbernecking
Rubbernecking means staring at something out of the car window for an extended period of time. It can be a major distraction while driving and can lead to accidents. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and pay attention to the road, not the rubberneck. There are many other things drivers can look at while driving that won’t cause distractions, such as scenery or billboards. This action is avoided at all costs while behind the wheel. Doing so will help keep everyone safe on the roads.
When you’re driving you have to be very careful and avoid all distractions. Cell Phones are the most common ones and many accidents happen because of them. Talking to passengers is dangerous as well while adjusting the radio takes your eyes off the road too often. Don’t snack behind the wheel and only use peripheral vision for reading the map. Finally, never even dare to rubberneck because it can harm people around you. Drive safely!