Distracted driving is not only incredibly dangerous, but increasingly becoming common place today.
The Numbers are Disturbing:
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, an estimated 600,000 drivers use their cell phones or other smart device while driving during the day. However when it comes to distracted driving, texting is only a part of this problem. Many drivers also participate in other behaviors that are also considered just as dangerous.
Other Behaviors that are Distracting Drivers:
- Texting or Dialing
- Talking on Your Phone
- Checking Emails or Voicemail
- Eating and Drinking
- Talking to Passengers
- Changing the Radio Station and/or Volume
- Putting on Make-up or Combing Your Hair
But, You Can Multi-Task, You Say?:
The reality is that you can not multi-task when you drive. Anything that occupies your mind is taking a percentage of your concentration off of the road and will inhibit your reflexes. The few seconds that you are looking at your phone instead of the road are the same as if you have your eyes closed and possibly cause an accident.
Putting Your Best Skills (and Brain) Forward:
Although sometime distractions can not be avoided, try to use common sense the best you can. If that email to message can wait for 15 minutes, why not wait until you arrive safely at your destination to read it and reply. If you feel it is an urgent matter that needs your attention quickly, then safely find a parking lot, gas station or perhaps some other area that you can drive to and park. This way, you can give the message the attention it needs without sacrificing your safety or the safely of others on the road.
Do You Have Additional Questions?
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