Let’s get real: driving is something you don’t take for granted. You have to take into consideration a plethora of things. You have to check your vehicle’s condition. Make sure you yourself are feeling well. The route you will take is an addition to what you must consider. But at often times when you are behind the wheel, something might or will distract you. These distractions will take your eyes off the road. Once that happens, things can go wrong abruptly. But luckily for you drivers and casual readers out there, this piece discusses all and everything about distracted driving. And once you finish reading, you can take what you learn here and apply them in the real world. You can thank us later.

Fundamentals First: Explaining Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is an occurrence that diverts a driver’s attention once they are behind the wheel. Almost anything can cause a distraction for a driver:

• Eating or drinking
• Having a conversation with others in the vehicle
• Texting and driving
• Messing around with the stereo system
• Trying to reach for something
• Phone calls
• Using the navigation system
• Looking at other things, such as billboard ads and notices
• Smoking
• Letting unrestrained pets roam about in the vehicle

You are not practicing safe driving when you do not give your full attention on the road. Non-driving activities behind the wheel will only increase your chance of getting yourself and the others in your vehicle into an accident.

The Types Of Distracted Driving

Now let us get a little bit into more detail. It comes as no surprise that there is more than one type of distracted driving. There are three primary types of distractions.

• Visual

This type of distraction is where you take your eyes off the road ahead of you. Imagine driving to work one day. You take your regular scenic route by the bay. Then suddenly, a massive sea monster rises from the ocean. You gasp in horror as you see the creature. Then you remember you’re currently driving. You turn your attention back to the road, but it proves to be too late. What follows is a loud bang and a crash. We have no idea where that sea monster is going, but what do you think has happened to you? The example sounds ridiculous, we know. But you get the point.

• Manual

For this type of distraction, you take your hands off the wheel. How about we head back to our sea monster scenario? You can’t be the only one driving on that bright and beautiful morning. So we go for another guy. You see the creature rise from the depths, moving slowly towards land. You shriek and let go of the wheel in panic. The car paces out of control, and you struggle to get things back on track. We will leave it to you to think of what happens next to our poor fellow. But regardless, it is not safe to let go of the wheel, especially if you take a high-traffic route.

• Cognitive

The final type of distraction we will discuss. Cognitive distractions are all in the mind. This type is where you take your mind off driving. So for our last example, imagine driving on yet another calm morning by the bay. The sun is not that bright. You let the breeze kiss your cheeks and dance with your newly-combed hair. The moment is so peaceful that you start fantasizing about something else. You think about how splendid the drive is but wish there was something that could take things up a notch. Perhaps a sea monster? You are deep in thought that you forget you are driving. Well, we will once again leave the rest to your vivid imagination.

What Can Drivers Do To Prevent Or Avoid Distracted Driving?

Currently, distracted driving is one of the main reasons for vehicular accidents in countries across the globe. However, there are steps you can take to avoid distracted driving.

• For drivers

Practice avoiding multitasking during a drive. Checking your email, picking songs on a player, fixing a mirror, and others. You can do all of that before you even start driving. There are also numerous applications you can utilize. These apps can help reduce distractions when you get on the road.

• For passengers

You have to speak up once you notice that the driver is not paying the road their full attention. Courteously tell them to focus on the task at hand. You can also reduce distractions by assisting with navigation. If you do so, the driver will spend less time checking out and using the car’s navigation system.

The Consequence

Getting distracted while driving can lead to critical consequences. You might get into an accident where you hurt yourself plus any other passenger you have. There is also a possibility where you might hurt someone else, such as passersby and children trying to cross the road. Regardless, an accident causes damages and injuries. And you will need to spend a fortune on repairs and medical expenses.

Now Let Us Sum All Of This Up

Distracted driving is a serious issue. It can happen to anyone at any given moment. So you have to make sure you take any precautions and steps to avoid distracted driving at all costs. You can also set an example for others and encourage them to do the same. So be safe as you travel, and keep your eyes peeled on the asphalt. No matter what happens, it is a decent thing that you don’t have to worry about sea monsters when you drive.