Distracted driving is the #1 cause of terrible and deadly automotive accidents worldwide. As soon as you take your eyes off the road or take at least one hand off the wheel, you are compromising your safety. Distracted driving may be hard to resist, but it is extremely dangerous for you and others on the road. To freshen up your knowledge, here are the top things that lead to distracted driving and how to avoid it.
CELL PHONE
Nothing can divert your attention more than a glowing, buzzing, and alerting phone. Because cell phones are such a big distraction, most states in the US have strict laws prohibiting texting and calling while driving. Furthermore, some places even prohibit having your phone in your vicinity at all. To ensure your cell doesn't distract you, put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" and out of your sight before hitting the road. Trust us - that text or social media notification can wait.
CONTROLS
Besides handheld tech, you may also be the type of person that can't keep their hands off the temperature or volume settings. Partaking in this activity has led to various accidents in the past. While it may seem harmless, try to make these adjustments before you start driving.
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Whether fixing hair or applying makeup amid traffic, doing both requires your attention to shift from the road to yourself. Not only are your eyes diverted to your mirror, but your hands are off the wheel! Please wait until you get to your destination for touch-ups.
EATING OR DRINKING
Studies have shown that eating and drinking while driving cause 2 percent of automotive accidents, which is a lot if you think about it. Eating and drinking require one or both hands, and it can cause huge messes and spills, causing an even bigger distraction. It is best to wait or pull over in a safe spot to enjoy your meal.
AUTO PROBLEMS
If your automobile suddenly erupts with a loud noise, emits an unsettling smell, or drives rough, you may be surprised and start to panic. Whenever you encounter these disruptions, please immediately pull over to a safe location to check what you need. This will keep you and your vehicle safe and out of traffic.
Safe driving habits and proper car care go hand in hand. If your car, SUV, or truck needs repairs or preventative maintenance, look no further than Guthrie's Auto Service.