It might be impossible to eliminate all forms of distractions
while you are driving simply because the driving process itself is a
multitasking activity. You must be able to keep your vehicle centered in
your lane, while going at a certain set speed, at the same time keeping a safe
distance with the vehicles ahead and to the side, all while watching for
hazards ahead, to the sides and behind you. There is very little room for any
distraction when driving couple with the multiple tasks a driver must already do.
While you cannot eliminate all distractions, you can practice
these few tips to help minimize distraction while driving and avoid causing an
accident.
Safety tips to avoid distraction while driving;
1. Do not use your cell phone while driving.
While you are driving,
your cell phone should only be used for emergency purposes only. However if the
call is very important, it is best to park by the roadside safely to
make/receive the call.
2. Be well rested and alert
before driving.
Make sure you are well rested before
driving because fatigue and physical exhaustion causes less mental alertness
and a more easily distracted driver.
3. Avoid eating while driving.
Food spills are a major cause of distraction
while driving. Finishing your breakfast on the way to work may seem like a
time-saver, but it means at least one of your hands is occupied and you are
less attentive to the drivers around you.
4. If you are drowsy, pull off the road.
Driver fatigue is a contributing factor in a high
percentage of accidents. If you start to feel drowsy, find yourself drifting
out of your lane, or struggling to keep your eyes open, find a safe place to
pull over and as soon as possible.
5. Park to eat.
If you are really so hungry that you need to eat immediately after
getting a meal in a drive thru, park your car to eat, and then drive to your
destination.
6. Drink with a lid on your cup, only going slow and
straight or stopped.
If your drink did spill while driving, the mess will be much less
with a lid.
Also don't pick up the drink in the middle of a curve or turn. You need your
hands and full attention on the road when turning.
7. Make sure children and pets
are secured in their seats.
It is extremely important to take care of your
child’s car seat and seat belt before the car begins moving. Pets should also
be securely fastened for their safety, and so that they can’t distract you
while you’re behind the wheel.
8. Mind the kids.
Pull over to a safe place to address situations involving children
in the car.
9. Don’t hold a cup between your knees while driving.
The second you make a hard stop or tense your legs up, that cup is
going to spill and with a paper cup the lid will probably be squeezed off. This
can easily happen, especially while driving at a higher speed when attempting
to put your drink down, causing a spill.
10. Tell your passengers you need to keep your eyes on the
road.
Especially children, but any passenger might say "look at
that..." while you are driving. Your first instinct is to look at what
they are talking about. Learn to say "I can't I'm driving", it can
save you from a collision.
11. Keep both hands on the steering wheel in a curve or
turn.
Don't reach for anything while turning the steering wheel and
driving.
You need both hands on the wheel to safely make your turn with the most control
of your vehicle. Distracted driving while in a turn is much more dangerous
than while driving on a straight road.
Following these simple tips would
guarantee you a safe and incident-free drive.
Watch the clip below and learn why you need to avoid distraction while driving.
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