While you may be an effective multitasker in the office or at home, there is no such thing as safe multitasking on the road. Anything less than 100 percent attention while you are driving increases your risk of getting into an accident.
Although you cannot control other motorists’ bad driving, you can keep yourself alert so you can avoid potential accidents and injury. Start with staying clear of these common distractions.
1. Cellphones
You may be tired of hearing it, but cellphones present a huge distraction to drivers. Whether you are calling or texting, they use up one hand, divide your attention and limit your range of vision and hearing. Even hands-free devices are still dangerous because you do not have all of your focus on the road. The best thing to do is turn off your phone completely or download a driving app that automatically responds to texts with the message that you are behind the wheel. If you must take or make a call, pull over to a safe spot first.
2. Food
Who is not guilty of eating and drinking on the road, especially when running late or on a long trip? However, just as with using a mobile device, eating takes away your concentration and use of your hands. You are also likely to deal with spills, awkward placement of food and reaching for drinks, napkins, etc. Time management is the answer to avoiding eating on the road.
3. Car settings
Before you put your car into drive, adjust the music, temperature controls, seating, mirrors and GPS. Have everything ready to go so you do not have to worry about it once you are on the road. If you have children, make sure they are all settled as well. Turning around, reaching back or disciplining children is hazardous to do while driving.
Avoiding these actions is definitely inconvenient, but getting into an accident and sustaining a life-changing injury is even more so. It only takes a few seconds of your eyes looking elsewhere for an accident to happen.
