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You wouldn’t try to play your favorite sport while distracted by texting, eating or styling your hair at the same time, so why attempt to complete the same tasks while driving? Being in a hurry is not a good excuse to drive distracted. Before getting behind the wheel, allotting extra travel time can resolve many driving distractions. Without additional travel time, distractions often overcome our discipline causing us to drive distracted.
Some of the most common distractions while driving are visual distractions. Common visual distractions while behind the wheel include texting, using a GPS, looking at a passenger, adjusting the radio or temperature in the car, applying make-up, styling hair and daydreaming.
Most visual distractions can be resolved prior to putting the car in drive. For example, program and review your GPS before starting your car. Make phone calls or send texts before driving, then place your phone in a safe place such as a bag or arm console, and consider using your phone’s driving mode, if it’s available. Add a few extra minutes to your routine to do your make-up or perfect your hair while at home. Talk with your passengers before starting your trip and let them know you’re focusing on the road and not on them. Looking away from the road requires additional time for you to refocus on the task at hand. Even checking your phone at a red light can cause your focus to change, and make it more difficult to regain focus back on the road when the light changes. Maintaining the required visual focus on the road provides more time to react to whatever is happening on the road ahead, if needed.
Manual distractions occur when we take our hands off the wheel and do something else while driving. Common manual activities are texting, GPS programming, adjusting vehicle controls like the radio or thermostat, engaging with passengers, eating/drinking, grooming activities such as brushing hair or applying make-up, and tobacco use, like smoking or vaping. Passengers can be a big help with these distractions as well. Have passengers resolve little tasks while you are operating the vehicle, like checking the GPS. Your passengers will likely appreciate your dedication to driving and be happy to oblige. If you’re traveling alone, take a few extra moments before leaving or pull over if you need to resolve something. Keeping your hands on the wheel and away from manual distractions, allows you to react to changing road conditions.
Cognitive distractions are not physical interferences you can see or touch, but mental interruptions of your mind wandering off while driving. Stress, anxiety, daydreaming and fatigue are common causes cognitive distractions while driving. These types of distractions can be challenging to avoid but manageable by taking breaks when needed. Time constraints often pressure us to feel the need to get somewhere fast. Cognitive distractions can be tricky, especially if you are stuck in traffic and your mind starts to wander or you become drowsy. Pulling over for a few moments to rest, clear your mind and stretch will help you return to the road recharged and ready to drive safely.
These seemingly small distractions behind the wheel often result in preventable incidents.
When you commit to driving, remember the responsibility you have. Not only are you in control of operating your vehicle, but your decisions may impact others on the road. Help everyone arrive at their destinations safely and focus on the road while driving.
Pasco Sheriff’s Office
“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.”
– Charles Spurgeon
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