Distracted driving poses a significant danger to road safety. It is any activity that diverts your focus away from driving, such as using a phone, eating, or conversing with passengers. Distracted driving is a huge issue, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries each year. In 2020, 57% of all crashes involved a phone. To learn more about car accidents in Las Vegas, consult an attorney today.
Common distracted driving habits
- Phone use
This is the most prevalent type of distracted driving. Talking, texting, or simply looking at your phone can divert your attention away from the road for an unsafe period.
- Eating and drinking
Eating and drinking while driving may be unpleasant and distracting. It can also remove your hands from the steering wheel, which is required for safe driving.
- Adjusting the radio or climate controls
Fiddling with the radio or climate controls can divert your focus from the road, even if just for a few seconds.
- Talking to passengers
Speaking with passengers can be distracting, especially if the conversation is passionate or emotional.
- Grooming
Applying cosmetics, shaving, or performing other grooming duties while driving is both unsafe and illegal in many areas.
Tips for breaking distracted driving habits
- Put your phone away
The easiest method to eliminate phone-related distractions is to keep your phone in a location where you cannot get it while driving. This may include storing it in the glove compartment or trunk or utilizing a phone mount that blocks notifications and calls while driving.
- Plan your meals and drinks.
If you know you will be driving shortly, do not eat or drink beforehand. Pull over to a safe location first if you need to drink or eat while driving.
- Use voice controls
Many vehicles now include voice commands for the radio, temperature control, and other amenities. This might assist you to avoid taking your eyes off the road while making modifications.
- Keep conversations short and focused.
If you must speak with passengers, keep the discussion brief and focused on the task of driving.
- Focus on the road.
It may appear simple, but the most crucial technique for avoiding distracted driving is to just focus on the road. Be alert of your surroundings and anticipate what other drivers may do.
- Optimize your route
Use a navigation app before getting behind the wheel to prevent having to fumble with it while driving.
- Adjust mirrors and settings.
To avoid subsequent distractions, adjust your mirrors, seats, temperature, and radio volume before you begin your journey.
Breaking the habit of distracted driving is difficult. Still, it is necessary for your own and others’ safety. By following these guidelines, you can help make our roadways safer for everybody.
