It may seem like common sense, but in this day and age we have so many distractions right at our fingertips that it’s becoming more difficult to stay focused behind the wheel. Our team here at Certified Autoplex thought it would be a good idea to take the time to share a few tips on how to avoid distractions while driving in order to make our roadways safer for everyone.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 3,000 people who lost their lives in 2014 because of motor vehicle crashes that involved distracted drivers. This is a real problem for each and every one of us, but luckily there are solutions. We need to find it within ourselves to realize that our lives are more important than sending a text or adjusting the radio to play your favorite song. Let’s dig deeper into which actions are causing the most fatal distractions and how we can avoid them altogether.
Top 2 Distractions to Avoid While Driving
#1 Cell Phones: Texting & Talking –
It’s become rather obvious over the last few years that using your cell phone while driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Believe it or not, according to the NHTSA, five seconds is the average amount of time your eyes are off the road in order to send a text message. When you’re going 55 mph, this amount of time is equivalent to traveling the length of a football field blindfolded. Needless to say, when you’re texting or talking on your phone while driving, then your attention is somewhere other than the road.
In order to curb this habit, try putting your phone away while you drive. Tell your friends and family you’ll be on the road, which is why you’re not responding. If your phone is out of sight, it would be as tempting to constantly check it and reply to texts or answer calls.
#2 In-Car Distractions: Entertainment Systems & Other Passengers –
Nowadays our cars are filled with all the latest technology features including integrated navigational systems and satellite radio. Although these features can really come in handy for not only entertainment but guidance purposes as well, they can be very distracting. Any time you’re taking your attention off the road you’re putting you, your passengers and everyone else on the road in danger, which needless to say is not fair to anyone else. Other passengers can also be a distraction as well.
One way to avoid these distractions is by planning ahead. If you know you’re going to need your GPS, be sure to plug in your destination and get directions started before you take off. If you have other passengers in the car, be sure they understand the dangers of distracting the driver. Utilize other passengers to your advantage by having them manage the music, navigation and other entertainment systems.
For more tips and tricks on how to avoid distracted driving, please don’t hesitate to contact our team here at Certified Autoplex for more information. If you have other suggestions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a vehicle they can afford are encouraged to visit us today right here in Carrollton, Texas!