Distracted Driving Dude - Daily Car Blog
3 Dangers Of Distracted Driving
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With how unpredictable life can get, there’s always a risk each time you go outside. However, once you travel from one place to another using a moving vehicle, that risk might double, given the natural circumstances. But if the driver had a part in triggering this risk right, then what used to be likely to happen could happen without a shadow of a doubt.

Because other than drunk driving, another common cause of car accidents is distracted driving. Here, instead of having the driver influenced by alcoholic beverages, they’re distracted by a third-party variable. Without their full attention on the road, it’s already an accident waiting to happen.

While it’s somewhat ideal to have the driver receive the full brunt, they could still leave an impact on other cars and pedestrians, especially if the culprit’s vehicle is as big as a truck. That’s why this is one of the leading causes of car accidents.

What Causes The Driver To Get Distracted?

Driving for the first time is always a nerve-wracking endeavor, even with the instructor or your loved one sitting right next to you teaching you the ropes. However, that nervous energy slowly goes away the longer you’re behind the wheel. And because you’re getting the hang of it, that’s more reason to be lenient while driving, ergo potentially leading to an accident. While you could try this when that happens, you need to identify the factors contributing to a distracted driver.

Visual Distraction

One of the basic rules in driving is to keep your eyes on the road. After all, you wouldn’t know where you’re going if you’re looking at something else. But despite being a standard rule, many drivers neglect to do this most of the time.

Since they’re already familiar with what goes on the road, seasoned drivers tend to be more confident in multitasking. Because for them, the drive between Point A and Point B might seem like a waste of time. And you can’t blame them for it, especially if it’s an hour’s long drive—or more. So, to occupy themselves, they would turn to the following habits to pass the time:

      • Glancing at their phone
      • Fiddling with the radio or GPS
      • Looking at the mirror

However, there are some instances when you could be distracted by what’s happening on the road itself. This can happen when you’re taking too long to read the road signs, which is why drivers must have good vision or have eyewear that could help them see correctly.

Besides that, road accidents are something you have to avoid as well. Even though it’s morbidly intriguing, you need to focus on where you’re going and move on. Otherwise, you might find yourself getting into an accident yourself because of your lack of attention.

Manual Distraction

Having eyes on the road is essential for a driver, but having both hands on the wheel. Any driver can agree how crucial it is since this is how you steer your car in any direction. However, letting go of the wheel is not a new concept.

Student drivers were taught that letting go of the wheel would spell out disaster, but those with experience under their belt would think this belief is far too exaggerated. However, it’s this thinking that has resulted in many car accidents.

Overconfidence is the root of many distracted driving accidents. Because drivers rely on their instincts or how quiet the road is, they tend to get cocky when occupying themselves while driving. Here, they’re far more comfortable doing activities, such as:

      • Eating and drinking
      • Playing mobile games
      • Grooming in the mirror

Typically, these activities require both hands off the wheel. Not only that, but you’ll notice how you need to look at what you’re doing there. So, now, besides letting go of the wheel, you’re also misusing your eyesight. Doing so compromises your safety even more.

Cognitive Distraction

Although it’s not the ‘riskiest’ type of distraction, cognitive distractions demand your attention more. This could be seen demonstrated on visual and manual distractions. The more likely it is for you to land yourself in a car accident with your attention elsewhere.

But if you’re sick of having long drives, it’s recommended you choose self-driving software. This way, it can drive for you while you’re doing something else; therefore, you no longer need to divide your attention anymore.

Driving Safely

Despite its convenience, driving around with a car tends to be a stressful ordeal, especially for beginners. As for seasoned ones, they might consider it a chore, even more so for longer drives. Regardless of your experience, many car accidents result from driver negligence. And having a distracted driver is just as bad as having an intoxicated one. So, if you want to avoid getting in an accident, make sure to identify the risks first.

Distracted Driving Dude - Daily Car Blog
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