Safe driving is a serious responsibility that can be dangerous. It can be even more dangerous when you’re distracted. If you’re not careful, even the smallest distraction could lead to an accident and endanger your life as well as those around you. So, if you want to stay safe on the road, make sure to avoid these distractions while driving.
If you don’t avoid these dangerous decisions, you could end up in an accident. In the event of an accident, broken portions of your car, such as a cracked windshield, will be wrapped with collision wrap. You can get premium crash wrap and other auto dealer supplies from MBR Marketing at https://mbrmarketing.com/body-shop-supplies/crash-wrap.
1. Texting while driving
More than 3,000 people die each year from texting and driving accidents in America alone! Perhaps this high number has something to do with how easy it is for drivers to text without being noticed by others. It’s incredibly easy to hide that the fact that you’re texting while driving by keeping your phone hidden below your wheel. However, this is dangerous, irresponsible, and against the law. Your eyes should be on the road at all times no matter what!
You should not only avoid texting while driving but avoid using your phone at all! Don’t go through social media, check your emails, browse the web, or anything similar. The best way to avoid this deadly habit? Put your phone out of reach so that it isn’t tempting to use when driving.
If you’re using your phone as a GPS, consider getting a phone holder for your dashboard. This way, you can take quick glances at your phone in a safer manner. Of course, this can still be dangerous, but it’s safer than looking down at your phone. Ideally, you’ll want to use an external GPS that won’t cause any unnecessary distractions like your phone.
Want to listen to music? Choose a playlist on your phone and set it down. You can usually change songs using the stereo buttons in your car. There’s no reason to put yourself and others at risk by scrolling through songs on your phone.
2. Talking on the phone
Like texting and using your phone while driving, you need to avoid talking on the phone as well. Some might say that you’re able to talk on the phone and pay attention to the road. However, we all know how distracting conversations can get–especially when you’re talking about something interesting.
Even though you believe you’re driving carefully, your mind can take you away from the road. You’re more likely to daydream and make mental images of the conversation you’re having. For example, if you’re talking to a friend about a wedding party, you may subconsciously think about what the party was like. This can be extremely dangerous, so you should avoid talking on the phone completely.
Looking to have a quick call with someone? Let them know you’ll call them back when it’s safe to do so. No conversation over the phone is worth putting your life at risk. Know that driving is a high-risk activity and simply avoid using your phone when doing so.
3. Driving under the influence
This is the most dangerous and reckless of all to do while driving. It’s just not worth it at all, no matter how much you might want to. Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or another dangerous substance can easily turn a few minutes of fun into a life-changing disaster. If you believe that driving while you’re not sober is fun, you need to look for other things to do for enjoyment.
If you’re under the influence, you should have somebody drive you home or call yourself a taxi or Uber. It doesn’t matter if your car is parked somewhere, it’s against the law to drive if you’re under the influence. Remember, that law isn’t there as a safety measure. It’s there to literally save lives. You can read thousands of stories about accidents happening due to drunk driving and driving on drugs.
If you’re a passenger, do not get in the car with somebody who’s not sober. Take the keys away from them in a civil manner. Let them know they’re unable to drive, and consider driving them home yourself.
4. Driving when you’re tired or feeling uneasy
We’ve all gotten tired while driving before, especially during long rides. Your eyes feel heavy, you start to zone out, and you do everything you can to wake yourself up. Even though you know you can’t fall asleep behind the wheel, you might not be paying as much attention to the road. You can get into an accident due to drowsiness or lack of focus, so you should stop driving right away.
If there’s someone else in the car, ask them to drive for you. If you’re alone, try listening to upbeat music, splashing cold water on your face, and drink hot coffee to wake yourself up. If all fails and you still find yourself dozing off, pull over and find a safe place to take a nap. Call whoever you need and let them know you’ll be a little late. You must not continue driving if you’re not completely focused on the road.
The same goes if you’re feeling uneasy. If you have a headache or stomach ache that’s distracting you from driving, you need to pull over immediately. Again, find a safe place to park, and don’t drive until you feel like you can drive home safely.
5. Wearing headphones
It does not make sense to wear headphones while driving. No matter how much you love music, you shouldn’t be wearing headphones behind the wheel. You have the radio, the auxiliary cord, Bluetooth, and your phone speakers. There’s no need for you to wear sound-canceling headphones that can put your life at risk.
You need to hear what’s going on around you in case of an emergency. Firetrucks, ambulances, and police cars; you need to be able to hear them! Someone could be honking at you to let you know that there’s danger up ahead. They could also be telling you that something’s wrong. Maybe you’re in the wrong lane, or that the road ahead of you closes off. Whatever the reason may be, take off your headphones until you’re no longer driving.
