Did you know in 2018, more than 2,800 people were killed in the US from a crash involving a distracted driver? If you want to learn about the different causes of distracted driving, we can help.
In this guide, we’ll go over driving distractions to avoid.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
Putting on Makeup
People tend to put on makeup or groom in the car. You might be in a rush to work and didn’t have a chance to finish your morning routine.
Some people think driving allows them to complete the finishing touches. You might put on deodorant, lipstick, or comb your hair.
You’ll take your hands off the wheel or look away from the road. This can lead to an accident. Make sure you plan your mornings so you have enough time to finish your routine.
Don’t try to finish your makeup or hair while driving.
Texting and Talking on the Phone
People who text or chat on the phone are the cause of many distracted driving accidents.
Ensure you connect your phone to Bluetooth or wait until you can pull over to use your phone.
Glancing Away From the Road
Other things can cause you to look away from the road. You might be looking for a landmark on the road or a particular address. If there’s an accident on the other side of the road, you might start looking away.
These things aren’t dangerous but can cause an accident because you aren’t focusing on the road.
Searching for Directions
People have become dependent on GPS to get from one area to another.
Setting up a GPS route while you’re driving is dangerous. Even if you take your attention from the road for a moment to glance down, you could get into an accident.
If you use GPS often, make sure it’s mounted where you can see it. Turn up the volume. This way, you can listen to the directions instead of looking at the screen.
Chatting With Passengers
When you drive with someone in the car, you tend to speak to them. You might feel rude if you don’t chat. Remember to pay attention to the road, and focus first.
Turning to glance at your passenger might feel natural to do, but try to avoid this during the drive. Don’t take your focus off the road.
Zoning Out While Driving
Have you ever zoned out or daydreamed during a long commute or a familiar drive? It’s common for people to do this while driving.
You might have felt surprised when you pulled into the destination. Some people don’t remember the specific actions they took.
Did you remember hitting red lights or seeing other vehicles? If not, you weren’t paying attention. People tend to drive on autopilot too often, and that can become dangerous.
Adjusting Controls During the Drive
You might think it’s harmless to adjust the temperature in your vehicle. When you reach forward to change the controls, you shift your attention from driving.
Whenever you take your hands off the wheel, you’ll have less control. If someone is sitting next to you, ask them to change the heating or air conditioning.
Newer vehicles have controls on the steering wheel. You can adjust air conditioning and heating.
Dealing With Pets or Children
It isn’t safe for you to drive with your pet loose in your car. Yet, a lot of people drive around with their pets loose. If your pet moves to sit in your lap or jumps, they become a distraction.
Children in a vehicle can also become a distraction because they yell or complain. Sometimes, siblings will fight one another and draw your attention from the road.
Drinking While Driving
Drinking water or any beverage can become a dangerous distraction while driving. If you’re drinking while driving, you take your attention off the road. You might tilt your head back or unscrew the bottle cap.
If you have a long commute or drive, try not to drink caffeine before you leave. This can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water before you go. Stop to replenish yourself with fluids.
If you don’t have a lot of time for a stop, chew gum to reduce your thirst.
Wearing Earbuds
Don’t use earbuds while you drive. Earbuds will take your attention off the road and can alter your hearing. You might miss the sound of a police or ambulance siren. It could even cause you to miss the sound of a train.
Most vehicles have wireless technology and USB ports. You can connect a mobile phone to the car stereo system.
Eating Food While Driving
We live in a busy world. People don’t have enough time to enjoy a lunch meal or supper. Balancing a sandwich or grabbing a handful of chips can become a driving distraction.
Try not to multitask in the driver’s seat. Instead, look for ways you can set aside time to eat before you begin driving. Pack your lunch in the evening, so you don’t have to rush in the morning.
Have a light snack, so you don’t get tempted to eat while driving. Free time up so you can eat meals at a table. You’ll enjoy your meal more and won’t become distracted while driving.
If you do get into an accident, contact an auto accident attorney.
Now You Know More About Common Driving Distractions
We hope this guide on distracted driving was helpful. Now that you know about common driving distractions assess your driving. Put away distractions.
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