Driver distractions have joined alcohol and speeding as leading factors in crashes that cause fatal and serious injuries. However, cellphones aren’t solely to blame. Anything that takes 100 percent of your attention away from driving is a distraction. There are three main types of distractions:
- Visual—Taking your eyes off the road
- Manual—Taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive—Taking your mind off of driving
Whether driving for work or for personal reasons, it is important to remember that any activity that you engage in while driving is a potential distraction that increases your risk of crashing. Taking the following precautions can help you avoid distractions while driving:
- Silence your mobile devices and keep them away from you while driving to avoid being distracted by incoming calls or texts. If you must receive phone calls while on the road, pull over before answering, even if using a hands-free device
- Set destinations in navigational devices before you depart.
- Make a playlist on your smartphone before you leave to avoid the temptation to change radio stations.
- Avoid eating while driving. Take proper breaks to allow yourself time for meals.
- Speak up if you’re a passenger of a distracted driver. Offer to take over the driving responsibilities if possible.
- Review ’s safe driving policy to ensure that you are fully aware of the best practices when it comes to road safety and know what to do in an emergency.
