Eyes on the Road!

While April may be widely known for its ability to bring Springtime rain, it’s also an important time to highlight Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

When considering distracted driving, many of us immediately associate it with texting. Which makes sense, as according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, texting while driving makes a crash up to 23 times more likely and is the cause of 3,500 deaths annually.

However, there is more to it than that. Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the road for an extended period. Let’s talk about what that means.

TYPES OF DISTRACTED DRIVING

According to the CDC, there are 3 types of distracted driving:

·  Visual: taking your eyes off the road

·  Manual: taking your hands off the wheel

·  Cognitive: taking your mind off driving

So what does that mean? It means that distractions are more than just taking a phone call or having a conversation with someone in the backseat. There are multiple ways to pull your attention away from the road, which is why it’s important to always remain vigilant.

COMMON DISTRACTIONS

Aside from texting, here are some of the biggest dangers while driving:

·  Eating & drinking

·  Applying makeup

·  Looking / reaching for something on the floor

·  Changing the radio & climate controls

·  Kids / pets in the car

·  Daydreaming

·  Things outside of the vehicle (billboards, another car accident, etc.)

·  Sleep deprivation

These examples encompass all three types of distractions that can draw your attention away from the road ahead.

SO WHAT DO WE DO?

Knowing this information, it’s important to remain vigilant while behind the wheel. There are a few tips & tricks to help us keep our focus where it should be.

Keep your phone in Do Not Disturb while driving. By doing this, you’re not hearing the notifications that come through. You’re less likely to pick up your phone without hearing that ding.

Make sure that your kids and pets are safely restrained before leaving for your destination. Yes, it’s important to restrain your furry friends too! One wrong jump and they’re in your lap while driving, which can lead to a major catastrophe.

Pull over if you’re too tired! A recent study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety concluded drowsy driving accounts for 20% of all fatal accidents in the United States annually. It’s worth it to call a family member or friend or even an Uber if you don’t feel safe to continue driving.

And of course, the most important, don’t rush. Whether you’re late for a meeting or trying to beat traffic, your stress levels can cause you to take risky chances that you may otherwise not take. It’s important to remember that your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road comes first.

Remember to keep your eyes and hands on the road. And if you’re ever in need of some assistance, don’t forget that Your Insurance Wingman is here to help!