Getting distracted while driving massively increases your risk of having an accident. Staying focused will help keep you, your passengers and others safe. In this guide, we will outline the biggest distractions while driving – and how you can avoid them.
Distractions can be visual, auditory, physical or cognitive. Are you looking at, listening to or thinking about something that is taking your attention away from the road? In other words, are you doing something in addition to the process of driving?
Attempting to multi-task can dramatically reduce your driving performance, from your reaction times and decision making, to your overall control of the car.
“As drivers, we now deal with more distractions than ever before,” explains Sandra Macdonald-Ames, a writer on road safety.
“There are so many potential demands on our attention, some inside the car, some on the outside and others occurring inside our heads. There is the potential for us to allow any distraction to take our minds off the central task of driving – with potentially disastrous consequences.
“But the good news is that we can banish just about any distraction, as long as we want to. This is best achieved through straightforward self-discipline and sensible journey planning.”
Driven to distraction
So what distracts us the most, and how do we avoid it? With help from GEM Motoring Assisthere are some workable tips for keeping your mind focused on the road.
Put your phone away
We hardly need to explain this one. Six points and a £200 fine is the penalty for using a mobile phone behind the wheel. No excuses: put it on silent or switch it off. Then place it out of reach and out of sight, to avoid the temptation to check your messages.
Bored in a traffic jam? Still don't. It's illegal to use a handheld phone behind the wheel unless you're at a standstill, the engine is switched off and the keys are out of the ignition.
Map out your route
Planning your route is a great way to make driving easier. It means you are prepared for every step of the journey, instead of constantly thinking about your next move. Having the route rehearsed in your head means the sat-nav won't be so much of a distraction, either.
Create a music playlist
Unlike a club DJ, you won't be criticized for having a prearranged set of music. In fact, we recommend creating a playlist in advance, so you're not tempted to faff about finding particular songs while driving.
Keep the volume down and don't get too into the music. We all love a singalong, but don't let it divert your attention from the road.
Keep children occupied
Driving with children on board? They can be the noisiest, liveliest type of distraction. Make sure they have something to keep them busy, so they don't busy you. Older children should be less of a bother. Getting their help with observations can prime them for when they start driving, too.
Don't eat and drive
Your dietitian and car cleaner won't be the only people who thank you for keeping food consumption out of the car. Holding a snack means you have a hand off the wheel, and your mini-meal could be a distraction.
Pull over for a bite in a service station if you simply can't wait. Breaks for food and drink are good practice on long trips, so it's a win-win.
Stay awake!
Of course, all of this advice means nothing if you are too tired to drive. Generally, you should be taking a 15-minute break from the car every two hours.
A well-rested, hydrated driver is a better and safer driver. Get some fresh air and stretch your legs. A coffee or caffeinated energy drink might be in order as well.
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