“No matter what, driving while distracted is never okay. It may seem boring but doing nothing while driving is the best thing for your safety and the safety of those around you. Stay focused on the road and be aware of your surroundings.” That sounds like you’re reading the back of a pamphlet you picked up at the defensive driving training center. We are here to keep you safe and informed. Everyone knows what not to do while driving, but sometimes a little reminder is helpful. Here is our list of the most common distractions to avoid while driving.
Cell Phones
We are addicted and glued to our phones in this ever-growing and rapidly changing world. We are constantly on the phone, whether for work, scrolling through social media, or following along with that new yoga class you found online. The one place your phone should not be used, other than in an airplane during take-off, is while behind the wheel of your vehicle. Not only do you put your life on the line, but the life of other drivers. Looking at your phone for a second could cause you to veer off the road. Don’t risk it for that “quick reply.”
Eating / Drinking
Yes, this is more of a common distraction than you might think. We all have done it, bought a meal from a drive-thru, and taken a few fries from the bag while driving. This may seem simple and harmless, but it can be as distracting as talking on the phone. Even if your eyes do not leave the road, if something happens and you need to react, your reaction time will be significantly affected. The food can wait until you are home or at least until you can pull off into a parking lot. The same goes for drinking, especially since it takes two hands to open a water bottle or soda.
Talking To Others & The Listening To The Radio
Changing the station on the radio, picking a song on the phone, and talking to others while driving can all be very distracting activities. We are not telling you to drive alone or sit silently whenever you get behind the wheel, and we want to present alternatives to having to change the radio while driving, such as picking a playlist before you get into the car. This allows for a set of songs you can listen to that you know you will like and even put it on shuffle to mix things up a bit.
Thank You For Reading!
Not only do we keep the people of our community safe by offering quality repairs and reliable service, but we also do this by keeping them informed. We hope this article was a helpful reminder to stay safe while driving to prevent unfortunate circumstances. If you or someone you know is in need of any automotive repairs or services, give us a call today.