5 Common Causes Distracted Driving
Driving is a dangerous activity. Every driver should always be alert and aware of the road conditions, other drivers, and pedestrians around them. Driving while distracted is even more risky than driving under normal circumstances. Statistics show that there are approximately nine fatalities every day due to distracted drivers. If you get into an accident because of distracted driving, a Miami car accident attorney can help you file a claim.
In this article, you’ll learn some common causes of distracted driving and how to combat them.
- Texting While Driving
Texting while driving has become one of the most dangerous distractions that drivers engage in these days because it requires using both hands while still keeping your eyes on the road.
The average time for someone to read text messages or emails is five seconds. That means you will be looking away from the road for at least 30 feet every minute. As a result, you may get into an accident quickly.
Texting has increased with the popularity of social media in recent years. The worse thing about it is that it can affect you even if you’re not touching your phone. It’s the anticipation of a message that is much more distracting than actually reading or sending one. Drivers who take their eyes off the road for just two seconds double their risk of crashing into something. When you’re texting and driving, you look at your phone 17% of the time.
- Eating As You Drive
People have the habit of eating while they drive. The problem with this is that it takes your eyes off the road and shifts your focus on something else. This can cause crashes or near-misses, which also distracts other drivers.
The American Automobile Association estimates that 27% of accidents are caused by eating food, drinking beverages, and smoking cigarettes. You can prevent accidents from happening because of eating by using a designated driver for any long drives in which you’ll consume food or drinks.
Alternatively, you can travel with a friend or relative and have them drive as you ride in the passenger seat and eat your food. However, this idea may not be excellent if your friends or family members are busy. The next best option may be hiring a professional driver like Uber or Lyft. Better still, you can park your car, eat your food and drink your coffee before driving on.
- Using Devices To Control Your Vehicle
Many people believe that using devices to control a car isn’t a form of distracted driving. Unfortunately, this can be just as dangerous and lead to an accident. According to AAA Foundation research, nearly one in five drivers (19%) think it’s safe to use their phone while operating a car.
- Driving With A Full Bladder
Driving with a full bladder impairs your judgment. It can also lead to urinary tract infections (UTI) and kidney stones if practiced for a long time. The risk of getting into car accidents increases four times when people are intoxicated or suffer from incontinence, which is why drivers should empty their bladders before getting behind the wheel.
Bladder control issues usually go hand in hand with other forms of impairment like constipation, so this problem could be related to more than just drinking too many fluids on your way home after work.
Visit the bathroom as frequently as you can. That way, you’ll reduce pressure and focus better.
- Driving With Anger
When you’re angry, the level of adrenaline and stress hormones surging through your body can impair your thoughts. In fact, research has shown that people who show signs of road rage have more difficulty concentrating than those performing tasks like memorizing Pi digits.
The emotional response from anger causes drivers to lose focus on their environment and makes them less likely to respond appropriately when something happens. It’s best to take some minutes to cool down before driving.
Summing Up
Many things may distract you as you drive. Avoiding them is the only best way to ensure road safety.
