Reckless and Careless Driving
Although most distractions are avoidable, some distractions are impossible to completely prevent; instead, they must be managed. Driving requires your full attention. In the last few decades, cell phone use has become a major distraction causing accidents.
How to Avoid Distracted Drivers
As a general rule, if you cannot devote your full attention to driving because of some other activity, it's a distraction. Take care of it before or after your trip, not while behind the wheel.
You can take charge of eliminating distractions by focusing on the road ahead. Check out these tips the AAA gives to avoid distractions while driving.
- Fully focus on driving: Do not let anything divert your attention, actively scan the road, use your mirrors and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Stow devices and other items: Put electronic devices, gear, possessions, and other distractions that could roll around in the car away, so you do not feel tempted to reach for them on the floor or the seat.
- Make adjustments before your get underway: Address vehicle systems like your GPS, seats, mirrors, climate controls, and sound systems before hitting the road. Decide on your route and check traffic conditions ahead of time.
- Finish dressing and personal grooming at home Get it done before you get on the road.
- Snack smart: If possible, eat meals or snacks before or after your trip, not while driving. On the road, avoid messy foods that can be difficult to manage.
- Secure children and pets before getting underway: If they need your attention, pull off the road safely to care for them. Reaching into the backseat can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
- Put aside your electronic distractions: Don't use cell phones while driving – hand-held or hands-free – except in absolute emergencies. Never use text messaging, email functions, video games, or the internet with a wireless device, including those built into the vehicle while driving.
- Ask others to help: If you have passengers, enlist their help so you can focus safely on driving.
- Take time - pull over: If another activity demands your attention, instead of trying to attempt it while driving, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place.
Special note: Drivers of quiet electric vehicles need to be aware that they may not be noticed by pedestrians. It's equally as important for pedestrians, especially those who are visually impaired, to be attentive when crossing streets. For instance, it's much more difficult for someone who can't see or hear well to notice a quiet electric vehicle approaching. As William B., one of our students, expressed it:
"So many people don't know or care about a blind person going through an intersection with a white tipped cane, and its infuriating. With the rise of electric vehicles it's a dangerous world for visually impaired pedestrians."
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-4. What has become a major cause for accidents in recent decades?
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