Several factors might result in unintentional distracted driving. Drivers should never take their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel while focusing on the task at the moment and giving it their full attention. Read on to learn about the different types of distracted driving and how you can avoid them.
Types of Distracted Driving
The three types of distracted driving are:
1. Visual Distractions
Visual distractions are things that take the driver’s eyes and focus off the road. It can include adjusting the radio or climate controls, checking their phones, or looking too long at a roadside activity.
2. Manual Distractions
This type of distraction involves anything that makes the driver take both of his hands off the wheel, which can still include visual distractions.
3. Cognitive Distractions
A cognitive distraction happens when a driver is not in the right state of mind, such as emotional stress, money issues, or family problems.
Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
Taking note of the following tips can help you avoid distracted driving:
1. Get comfortable before you leave the driveway by making the necessary adjustments to your mirrors, radio stations, air vents, seat settings, and temperature settings so you will not fiddle with them as you commute.
2. Put away the phone. The most dangerous thing you can do while driving is texting or talking. Turning off your phone will help you avoid the temptation altogether. Pull over if you need to receive an important call.
3. Leave whatever you drop – your wallet, phone, or purse – while driving. Reaching for it will take your eyes off the road, which is dangerous.
4. Be ready. Fix your makeup or hair, adjust your dress, and attend to your tie before you drive. It is dangerous to check yourself in the mirror or fidget with a jacket because you will be missing what’s going on with the other drivers around you.
5. Avoid visual distractions. Ignore the big billboards or activities alongside the road. You should be alert and watch out for potential dangers.
6. Be familiar with your route. Have a good sense of the route to your destination by checking out a map in advance if you are not familiar with the place. Check to be sure that the destination you entered in your GPS is correct before you leave.
7. Pay attention to your children. If your children start to misbehave on a long car ride, which is not uncommon, pull over and give them your full attention to resolve the issue.
Terrible driving habits that can lead to distracted driving are:
▪ Speeding
▪ Following another car too closely
▪ Road rage
▪ Forgetting to signal
▪ Weaving in/out of traffic
▪ Applying makeup
Now that you are aware of the three types of distracted driving and know how to avoid it, you should remember to keep them in mind when next you get behind the wheels. At Action Insurance Group, our goal is to make sure you always have the information you need. We can help you find reliable insurance for the right price.
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