Common driving distractions and how to avoid them.
It’s no secret that in today’s society, we all have busy schedules and are all more connected than ever. While this is great for staying in touch with loved ones and networking, smartphones, smartwatches, and devices shouldn’t be used behind the wheel. Driving while distracted is a growing problem with many teens falling victim. While cell phone use in the car is most common in younger drivers, older drivers aren’t exempt from their own distractions.
Any distractions can lead to tragedy. Here are the common distractions that many of us are guilty of:
- Texting
- Using a cell phone at all
- Eating and drinking
- Grooming (e.g. brushing your teeth, changing clothes)
- Talking to passengers
- Reading maps
- Using your GPS
- Watching a video
- Adjusting the radio
The reality is that we can’t multi-task, at least not as well as we think we can. When you take your attention off the road in front of you or the traffic around you, it only takes a few seconds for an accident to happen. These tips will help you to keep distractions at bay:
- Put your phone away
Sounds simple, right? Yet, many of us don’t do it! Having a phone nearby is a temptation to check your messages or scroll through social media. Put your phone in the glove box or in the trunk so that you can’t reach it while driving.
- Get up earlier
If you find that you’re always running late to work or school, meaning that you need to do more tasks behind the wheel, make it a personal goal to get up 5 or 10 minutes earlier to brush your teeth, shave, or put on make-up. If that won’t work, get ready when you arrive at your destination. Either way, avoid doing it while driving!
- Make driving time zen time
Instead of thinking deeply about your schedule, getting into a heated discussion with a passenger, or constantly switching the radio channel, make your commute time to focus on one thing – the road ahead. This is a simple task that can often bring out peace and mindfulness to the day.
No matter what time of night or day you hit the road, take care and travel safely. For the auto insurance you need for the winter season and beyond, contact AimPro Insurance in Phoenix, Arizona.
