Distracted Driving: 10 Dangerous Driving Habits
Given how much time we spend behind the wheel, it’s easy to see why we are tempted to do double duty while driving. Driving is one of the most complex tasks we undertake and any form of distraction is dangerous.
Fussing with Grooming – Finish your morning grooming ritual before you get in the car. Even a quick glance in the mirror takes valuable seconds away from your focus.
Eating and Drinking – Save the snacks for later. All it takes is one greasy sauce or scalding coffee incident to pull your attention away from the road at that critical moment.
Controlling Pets – Make sure pets are properly secured in a carrier or a seatbelt harness designed for pets, and that they’re not stressed or carsick.
Managing Kids – Always pull over to attend little ones. Young children are four times as distracting as adults, and infants eight times more distracting.
Using Onboard Controls – Set the climate controls and onboard electronics before you start driving.
Driving Drowsy – Pull over if you find yourself feeling fatigued. Falling asleep at the wheel is just one of the risks of driving drowsy.
Watching Roadside Diversions – Keep your focus on the road, not on the flashing billboard or the multi-car pileup in the other lane.
Texting or Emailing – Never text or email while driving. In the 5 seconds it takes you to text, you will have driven the length of a football field without looking.
Daydreaming – Stay focused on driving and avoid letting your mind wander.
Talking on a Cell Phone – Don’t talk and drive. Studies show that even talking hands-free impairs driver reaction time to the same level as driving under the influence of alcohol.