Dangers of distracted driving
When we learn how to drive, we’re taught an array of things to keep in mind that makes us safe drivers for our sake, for the sake of our passengers and for the sake of others on the road. Over time, we get complacent, even overconfident. Thinking that a quick moment of taking our eyes off the road isn’t going to do much harm. The reality however is quite different. Because as much as we may consider ourselves good drivers, roads are unpredictable. Distracted driving can be fatal when you least expect it to be.
Here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure that your driving experience is safe for you and everyone around you.
- Keep your hands on the wheel. The 10 and 2 positions that we're taught in driving school are truly the best way to be ready to make any sudden manoeuvres needed when something unexpected comes in front of your car.
- Texting and driving is an absolute no. We may think that one quick reply won't hurt. The reality is that even just two seconds of taking your eyes off the road can be fatal. If you need to respond to a text, make sure to pull over safely first.
- Answering calls should always be through the Bluetooth of the car. Driving is a two-handed job. Most cars come with call controls built into the steering wheel. So there should no reason for you to even need to grab your phone if you’re getting a call.
- Keep your eyes on the road. It can be easy to get distracted by conversations happening in the car. While those can't always be avoided, you can always make sure that you're looking straight ahead. Even at a red light. You never know when a pedestrian might choose to cross at the wrong time.
- Always check mirrors before making any moves. Unknowingly, we tend to make turns or switch lanes without prior checks. This can lead to serious accidents. A glance at all three mirrors is an absolute must before every move.
Finally, staying alert is the key to everything. So if you find yourself drowsy or unable to concentrate, it’s best to hand the keys to someone who is.
