We all know that texting or accepting a phone call while driving takes your attention off the road, increasing the risk for an accident. This is commonly referred to as “distracted driving”. Engaging in a video call is especially distracting because you take your eyes off the road to make a visual connection with the person you are interacting with.
Distracted driving causes dangerous accidents, injuries and deaths every day. In Oklahoma City, there are an average of 192 serious accidents each year attributed to driver distractions.
While using your phone when driving is a very common behavior leading to distracted driving, there are other activities that can take your focus off of operating a vehicle safely. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are at least three more activities that are considered distractive driving. We’ll explore behaviors that pose a danger beyond using your phone.
Touchscreen Use
It is hard to find a new car today that isn’t equipped with an interactive touchscreen located to the right side of the driver. The touchscreen allows you to access the GPS navigation and the entertainment systems. Looking at and touching the screen takes your eyes and ears off of the road ahead of you.
One way to remedy this is to use voice-activated systems that are integrated with Apple or Android-based Wi-Fi apps, where you speak your commands. You can audibly ask the system to turn on a playlist or to navigate to a particular address.
Eating and Drinking
Hitting the drive-through while on a long trip is super convenient when you want a quick bite to eat. Having a burger in your lap and a cup of coffee in the console cup holder is easy. However, taking your hands of the wheel or looking down to pick that sandwich or beverage up results in not paying attention to the road. It only takes a couple of seconds to drift into another lane. Also, spilling hot coffee or dripping condiments into your lap leads to sudden movements that can send your vehicle on a potentially dangerous path.
A much better plan is to get your meal or snack and pull into a parking space or rest area for the few minutes it takes to consume the food and beverage.
Passenger Interactions
Having company on your drive to work or while on vacation is often fun. Talking with your passengers while driving can divert attention, especially if the conversation becomes serious or emotional. Children in the back seat can be especially distracting if they are acting up and you turn around to assess the situation and speak directly to them.
While being social is enjoyable on a road trip, feel free to ask your passengers to listen to a podcast with earbuds. And place headphones on your children with an audiobook so they are engaged and don’t need your undivided attention.
Personal Grooming
It may surprise you how many people shave their faces or apply makeup while driving to work in the morning. This usually involves using the rear-view or sun visor mirror. There isn’t a precise way to apply mascara while driving without adjusting a mirror so you can see yourself and not the cars behind you.
Schedule a few extra minutes into your morning hygiene and grooming routine before hitting the road. Or apply your makeup in the parking lot before you enter the building. These are the only safe options to avoid distraction.
A Pet in Your Lap
We have all seen cars with a pup’s head sticking out of the driver’s side window to catch some wind. Having a pet perched on your lap while operating a vehicle is particularly volatile. An active dog will make unpredictable movements when trying to get fresh air or when jumping into another seat. If you stop suddenly, that little lap dog may even tumble to the floor and hit the gas pedal.
Pets should be treated like children by having them ride safely in the back seat. If you are driving an SUV with cargo space, place your dog or cat in a crate in that area and crack a window for them.
