When you’re driving, the last thing you want to be doing is dealing with distractions. And sadly to say, that is often easier said than done. Whether it is something inside the car or outside of it, plenty of things can grab your attention and take it away from the task at hand. But don’t worry; this post can help! In it, you will find a list of helpful ways to avoid distractions while driving so that you can pay attention to the task at hand!
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The Dangers Of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, and fiddling with the stereo, GPS, or other electronics. Anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving can endanger you, your passengers, and others on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed over 3,100 lives in 2019 alone. Despite efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, many people continue to engage in this dangerous behavior. And while it is always important to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving, it is imperative now, given the current circumstances. With so many different things trying to get your attention, staying focused on the task at hand can be tricky.
Turn Your Phone Off
With the increasing use of cell phones, more and more people are using them while driving. Although many states have laws prohibiting this behavior, it is still a common practice. Using a cell phone while driving can be very distracting and can lead to accidents. One way to avoid this distraction is to turn your phone off before you get in the car. This will help you to avoid the temptation to use it while driving. In addition, it is a good idea to put your phone out of reach so that you don’t pick it up if you get a call or text message. By taking these simple precautions, you can help to ensure that you arrive at your destination safely.
Avoid Eating In Your Car
When you’re behind the wheel, it’s important to stay focused on the task at hand: driving. But if you’re frequently eating in your car, you may be more distracted than you realize. Every time you take a bite of food, your mind has to process the taste, texture, and temperature of the food, which can take away from your focus on driving. Additionally, if you’re reaching for food that’s not within easy reach, you may be taking your eyes off the road for longer than you’d like. And if you’re eating messy foods, you may be tempted to wipe your hands or face while driving, which can be a serious safety hazard. So next time you’re planning to eat in the car, think about whether or not it’s worth the risk.
Set Your GPS Before You Leave
With the increasing prevalence of GPS-enabled smartphones, more and more people are using them for directions while driving. However, this can be extremely dangerous, as it can take your attention away from the road. It’s best to set your GPS before you start driving so you won’t have to look at your phone while behind the wheel. Additionally, many newer cars have built-in GPS systems, so you may not even need to use your phone for directions. If you have one of these systems in your car, take advantage of it.
Don’t Drive If You Feel Sleepy
Rather than thinking of drowsy driving as simply sleepy driving, it is important to understand that it is a type of distracted driving. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, and in fact, it can be even more dangerous because it is harder to recognize the signs. The best way to prevent drowsy driving is to get a good night’s sleep before getting behind the wheel. Suppose you are sleepy while driving, pull over at the next rest stop and take a nap. It is also important to avoid driving late at night or early in the morning when you are likely to be the sleepiest. If you must drive during these times, keep your eyes open for signs that you are getting too tired to continue. Steer clear of other distractions like talking on the phone or eating while driving so that you can focus all of your attention on the road. And, of course, always buckle up and follow the speed limit.
Don’t Reach For The Things You Drop
Having a cell phone or other object fall to the floor of your car can be highly distracting, especially if you’re trying to drive. Taking your eyes off the road for two seconds doubles your risk of getting into an accident. And if you’re reaching for something that’s fallen, you’re even more likely to have an accident. So what should you do if you drop something while driving? The best thing to do is to wait until you can safely pull over before reaching for the item. While it may be tempting to try to grab it while you’re still driving, it’s simply not worth the risk. If you need it right away, find somewhere you can pull over and retrieve the item.
Finish Getting Ready At Home
Getting ready for your day can be a juggling act. You must get dressed, eat breakfast, brush your teeth and hair, and maybe even put on makeup – all while trying to get out the door on time. Trying to multitask by doing things like getting ready in the car can be tempting. However, this can be a dangerous distraction. It’s crucial to finish getting ready at home to focus on driving when you’re behind the wheel. That way, you won’t be tempted to fiddle with your clothes or hair or apply makeup while driving. Taking a few extra minutes to get ready at home may make your morning commute a little longer. But it will help you arrive at your destination safely – and that’s worth the extra time.
Take Action To Avoid Distractions When You Drive!
Distracted driving is a serious safety hazard. Following the tips in this article can help keep yourself and others safe on the road. So next time you’re getting ready to drive, take a moment to think about ways to avoid distractions. And always remember to buckle up and follow the speed limit. By just doing these few simple things, you can reduce your risk of having an accident. And that is the most important thing of all.
