We all have distractions in the car that take away our full attention from the road. With recent laws that don’t allow drivers to be on their phones, there are still other distractions that can lead to fatal or injurious accidents on the road. Here are ten distractions that drivers find most common while driving.
Top 10 Common Distractions
- Day dreaming is actually one of the biggest distractions that the driver’s face. The longer the distraction lasts and the driver zones out, the more likely a crash is going to happen. Even though driving becomes mundane after a while, try to stay focused on what is happening on the road.
- Phones either used for texting or talking on the phone is another major distraction in the car. This is the second leading cause of death when it comes to distracted driving. Even with recent hands-free laws in place, phones still pose a threat while drivers are on the road.
- An outside object or person can be a distraction when driving the vehicle. Don’t turn your head to watch a billboard or person passing by while you are driving.
- Other people inside your vehicle can pose a distraction as well. If you are driving children or have a passenger in the car, you can easily be distracted and cause an accident.
- Reaching for other devices inside the car is dangerous while driving. Cell phones are obviously threatening but even the act of reaching for a device such as this can lead to accidents.
- Eating and drinking in the car is not a great idea. It can easily lead to swerving and ultimately a crash.
- Adjusting the radio or changing the temperatures in your vehicle can be distracting. It may seem as if you can’t wait because it’s too hot or cold but it is safest to wait until you are off the road. Alternatively, you can ask a passenger in your car to make these changes for you. Remember that it only takes a few seconds of distraction to cause a tragedy.
- Other devices within cars such as mirrors or seat belts are a small percentage of accidents while driving. If you need to adjust mirrors or seats, try to remember to do this before you begin driving.
- Random moving objects such as dogs or insects outside of the car can interfere with the driver.
- Lighting a cigarette or putting it out only counts for a very small part of distractions that drivers face but still accounts for few deaths.
Avoiding Accidents
These common distractions occur at different rates but still account for accidents that happen on the road. After getting comfortable behind the wheel, it’s easy to lose control of the vehicle once you think you have mastered the act of driving. All of these distractions have one thing in common: eyes not on the road. So, do your best to stay focused and keep your eyes on the road at all times.
If you have any questions contact our office. We can provide additional resources depending on your driving situation.
