We all get distracted sometimes. Indeed, distracted drivers are everywhere you look. In fact, here are some simple yet smart ideas to make you a safer, less distracted driver:
Cell Phone Use
In many places, you are breaking the law if you use your phone and drive. Even if you live somewhere that it is not against the law, cell phones are really only for emergency use only. If you have an emergency on the road, you should pull your vehicle over anyway. Online sources indicate that even various hands-free equipment can lead a driver to miss important audio and visual cues that prevent accidents.
Drowsy?
Don’t drive drowsy. Driving while drowsy will increase your chances of crashing by almost four times. If you’re too tired to drive then don’t. Pullover for a break.
Passengers
Don’t drive with too many passengers. You should also limit the amount of activity inside your car as well. Some countries, like the U.S., do not allow new, teenage drivers to have any passengers during their first year of driving. Driving with too many friends can actually be dangerous to inexperienced or infrequent drivers because they focus too much on their passengers and not enough on the road.
Eating
Don’t eat and drive. You might be saving time finishing your breakfast on the way to work, but eating and drinking in the car make you less aware and attentive of the other drivers all around you. Pundits report that food spills are one of the most common causes of distraction.
Multi-tasking
Many people spend a lot of time in their cars. That does not, however, mean that driving is the best time or place to get things done. Don’t groom yourself, phone friends, search for good music or text your friends. Keep your eyes on the road.
Time
Take your time when you drive. Focus on your safety (and that of your passengers if you have any). Research indicates that humans can only process so much at one time.
In order to drive safely, one must shift his attention back and forth while on the road. This makes any distractions very dangerous. So plan ahead and take your time while on the road.
Drive carefully and don’t get distracted. Remember, though, if you’re driving safely, but are hit by a distracted driver, don’t worry. You can call All Makes Collision Centre in Calgary at [sc:tel-allmakes] for any questions.