Distracted driving is a serious problem in todays’ ever consumed world of technology. According to Parachute Canada, 13-16% of fatal crashes and 23-27% of crashes causing injury in Canada, involved distracted driving. Fortunately, with a little more driver caution it can be easily avoided. Check out some of the distractions below and do your part to keep our roads safe and stay focused when you’re behind the wheel.
Tips To Reduce Distracted Driving
Texting
Even while this is illegal and you can be fined for it, (Ontario fines: $300 – $1000, 3 demerit points, as of Sept 2015) many people still continue to text and drive. Drivers engaged in text messaging on a cellular phone are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near crash event compared with non-distracted drivers. Talking on a cell phone reduced this but drivers that were involved in phone conversations were still 4-5 more times likely to be in a crash.
How to avoid:
Don’t text! Most conversations are not important enough to risk your, or someone elses life on. Plus, who wants to pay a fine? If an urgent matter arises, find a place spot to pull over such as a gas station or parking lot to make the call or send a message. You can also invest in Bluetooth devices, if needed. Most new models of cars come equipped with Bluetooth and many other hands free apps so you can focus on the road.
Eating and Grooming
While you may think it’s saving you time – both eating and grooming can take your hands and eyes off the road. Having both your hands on the wheel could be the difference in turning to avoid a collision should it happen.
How to avoid:
Make sure to set your alarm a little earlier to give yourself the time needed to finish getting ready. If you didn’t have time for breakfast, plan to stop or wait until you arrive at your destination to eat, or if absolutely needed, a red light.
Pets and Children
While we love them indefinitely, they can both be distracting at times. Pets not properly confined can roam about the cabin, and even on top of the driver.
How to avoid:
Make sure small children are strapped in properly prior to departing. This will avoid unnecessary fidgeting and re-adjusting. Bring along some snacks for them, as well as something to distract them for longer rides. IPads or portable games are great for keeping them involved. Make sure pets too are strapped in properly. Most hatchback cars have cabin separators so that they are confined to one area instead of crawling about.
Adjusting Settings
However minor, adjusting things like the temperature, and radio can still be distracting. Especially something like scrolling through your iPod playlist (it’s almost as distracting as texting!)
How to avoid:
Make sure everything is set before you hit the road. Double check mirrors, your seat and all other relevant settings. If you need to change things while on the road, make sure you’ve memorized where all your buttons and knobs are, so you don’t have to take your eyes of the road for more than a second.
While these are only a few of the many distractions drivers can face, we hope they’ve given you a few tips on how to reduce them. Stay alert and drive safe!
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