Distracted driving is one of the main causes of traffic accidents . In fact, in 2017, distraction appears as the leading cause of fatal accidents in 33%, ahead of speed (29%) and alcohol (26%), which translates into the cause of one in three traffic accidents. Getting distracted while driving can be really dangerous, since a mistake can mean the driver travel many meters of distance without even having their eyes on the road. For example, when you look away for just one second while driving at 100 km / h, you travel 27.8 meters, enough time to end up in a collision with another vehicle or in a deviation from the road, with material damage and / or humans that can affect ourselves, but also other users.
The most frequent
Among the most common distractions, the use of a mobile phone while driving stands out, an activity that significantly increases – between three and four times – the risk of collision. Dialing a phone number, answering a phone call, reading or answering a message, manipulating the browser or using social networks means taking your eyes off the road during a time when the vehicle is running uncontrollably. The mobile phone generates a high risk of distraction, according to data provided by the different studies carried out, and circumstances may arise that cause a serious accident.
To avoid being distracted by the mobile , we must try to write the pending messages before leaving or when we have reached our destination. In addition, it is advisable to deactivate the sound of the phone so that the message alerts do not generate anxiety while driving.
Other distractions …
Another of the most frequent distractions is tobacco. And it is that an action as simple at first glance as holding a cigarette in your hand is, in reality, a risky practice that involves many small distractions. It is not only holding the cigar, but lighting it, extinguishing it or ensuring that the ash does not come off it, because in that case our attention will be focused on where the ash has fallen and we try to remove it so as not to burn ourselves. Most car journeys are not so long that we cannot avoid smoking inside the vehicle, so we can wait to smoke before leaving or when we arrive at our destination. In case of feeling a lot of anxiety, it is better to stop on the trip and smoke with the car parked.
Eating and drinking in the vehicle also make it difficult to drive safely. In fact, both hands must always be on the wheel, something that we will no longer be able to fulfill when eating or drinking while driving, as one of them will be busy. In addition, we could lose control of the car if we choke or spill hot drink on us. Therefore, it is advisable to plan our meals based on the trip, to do it before starting it, at a rest stop or when we arrive at our destination.
Children can also become a very big distracting factor. Therefore, it is important to teach them from the time they are very young that in the car they must be calm, that the driver cannot be disturbed or distracted and that they should not play inside the vehicle. It is also very common to look in the rear view mirror, turn your head to watch them or even try to serve them when they ask for something. It is essential to secure children with their proper child restraint system, in addition to checking that they have everything they need for the trip before leaving home.
