Even if you consider yourself a safe driver, you can probably think about a time when you became distracted behind the wheel. Just the same, if you pay close attention to what’s happening around you while driving, you probably won’t have to look far to find someone who’s not paying attention to the road.
While many people only think about cellphone use in regards to distracted driving, it takes on many other forms including:
- Eating or drinking
- Smoking
- Searching for something in your vehicle
- Conversing with passengers
- Daydreaming
- People watching
- Adjusting vehicle controls
- Reading a map
As a general rule of thumb, if something takes your attention away from the road, you should avoid it until your vehicle is stopped. It only takes a split-second for an accident to happen, so there’s no such thing as a good time to become distracted.
Here are some tips for avoiding distractions:
- Turn off your cellphone while your vehicle is in motion
- Set controls before you put your vehicle in drive
- Let other passengers know that you can’t become distracted while driving
While you’re doing your part in avoiding distracted driving, you also need to keep an eye on what’s happening around you. For example, if you spot a trucker who’s texting or smoking, you know that they’re not fully engaged.
If a distracted driver causes an accident, you need to call for help, receive medical care, request a copy of the police report and file an insurance claim. Your health and financial well- being should both be high on your priority list.