Taking a road trip means a lot of time behind the wheel. And the biggest danger we encounter on the road is distracted driving.
You are driving down the road thinking you are doing just fine. Then you suddenly notice the back of the car in front of you is getting closer by the second. They are at a standstill, but you were too distracted to see, so your foot is firmly planted into the floorboard as you hope the brake works in time.
If you hadn’t been driving while talking or texting on your phone, fiddling with the radio, eating that burger, or even yawning to avoid highway hypnosis, you may not have had to narrowly miss slamming into the car in front of you.
This unawareness is an unfortunate and all-too-common occurrence among drivers. Distracted driving means driving while doing any activity that takes your attention away from the road. It is easy to tell when a driver is distracted by their inability to stay in their lane, late braking, or staring down at their lap when you pass.
But are these the only ways to drive distracted? Here are some other common distractions for drivers.
Using Your Phone is Distracted Driving
The most common distraction these days is the cell phone. Whether it is sending texts, talking to someone, or looking at GPS, anything you do with your cell phone while operating a moving vehicle is a distraction and is dangerous to you, pedestrians, and other drivers around you.
Is that phone call or text really worth your life? I’m quite sure you have a voicemail and can return the call or respond to that text once you are safely parked.
The consequences of driving and talking or texting on your phone are significant. You can be fined or worse, depending on what was involved. There could also be an increase in your car insurance premium due to being a greater risk for an accident.
Listening to Music Counts as Distracted Driving
I am a music fanatic. Driving with the radio up and the windows down is one of my favorite springtime activities. You may put up a good argument about how music relaxes you and makes you think with a clearer mind. Well, that’s great but all things in moderation, especially while driving.
Turn down the volume! If your speakers are bouncing and the back window is vibrating with the bass, then you likely can’t hear any emergency or law enforcement vehicles coming up behind you.
Many accidents occur when drivers are flipping through stations, adjusting the volume, or trying to sync their phone to the car radio. These activities should be done in your driveway or in a parking lot, not while traveling at 70mph down the interstate.
Distracted Driving with Pets in the Car
If you have a dog, chances are he loves to ride in the car. If your dog is anything like mine, they want to ride up front or try to weasel their way onto your lap.
While it is fun to ride around with your pet and cute seeing them hang their head out the window, having them roam free in the car is a huge distraction and can prove to be dangerous.
It’s normal to want to love on your pet, give them treats, and let them ride in your lap, but it’s distracting and not safe to do it while driving down the road. To do that shows you are unprepared for a disaster.
Be smart and use a restraint system that is safe for your pet and reduces the risk of an accident. Everyone loves going to the zoo, but the car isn’t an appropriate place to pretend you’re at one.
Handling Child Distractions while Driving
Taking a family vacation is a rite of passage every year for many. Those with small children often dread it because keeping children entertained while traveling to reduce your overall stress takes talent and tricks as a parent.
If you are having to break up fights from the back seat, calm crying babies, and pick up dropped toys to pacify your passengers, you are driving distracted. Before you turn around and take your eyes off the road, pull over to handle it.
Take things that will keep your children to stay occupied. Play movies and cartoons that they haven’t yet seen. Allow them to play games on an Ipad. Bring books for them to look at. Pack snacks that will interest them.
Whatever you do, make sure the children are not distracting you while you are trying to drive. Let your co-pilot handle the babies and keep your eyes on the road.
Looking Out the Window is Distracting
People traveling through new areas can get distracted by their surroundings. When traveling to new areas you may find yourself looking for landmarks or staring at the beautiful scenery.
There will be a time for sight-seeing once you get where you are going.
Do not let yourself become distracted by your surroundings to the point that you are no longer focused on the path ahead of you. Stay focused until you’re able to enjoy the new surroundings outside of your car.
Eating While Driving is Considered Distracted Driving
Eating while driving is very common. Yet eating messy meals in the car can lead to distracted behavior. Plan your trip to include time to stop and eat your meal without driving at the same time.
If you are traveling and in a rush to get to your destination, check out local eateries along your route online so that you have a plan and can add in travel time to stop for a bite.
Your growling stomach may be a minor annoyance, but risking an accident while you shovel in a burger and fries and drive on cruise control isn’t the smartest or safest choice.
Rest Up Before You Drive
Driving while drowsy is as big of an issue as driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. People who work shift work are susceptible to falling asleep behind the wheel.
Some prescription medications cause drowsiness and even give warnings on their labels about driving while taking them.
If you are tired, pull off in a well-lit parking lot and take a power nap. Pull over and call family or a friend to come and get you. A little inconvenience is better than a lot dead.
In a world where “If it feels good, do it!” mentality is acceptable, remember that it’s not only your life you are risking but also the lives of others in your path.
Robyn Flint writes and researches for the auto insurance site, AutoInsurance.org, and she is a licensed realtor with over seven years of experience helping buyers and sellers navigate the real estate market. Robyn is also a freelance writer and a published author.
