Anyone who drives a vehicle
is well aware of the consequences of distracted driving. But when we think of
distracted driving, we mainly tend to think of talking or texting on a cell
phone, or even using a hands-free device. But there are many other driving
distractions that many people tend to forget about, yet occur all the time.
Below are some not so commonly talked about driving distractions that can be a huge
risk when driving. The official U.S. government site for distracted driving
attributed a total of 3,154 fatalities and 424,000 injuries in 2013 to crashes
involving at least one driver distraction. If you can relate to any of the
following driving distractions, you should make some changes in your driving
routine and be cautious of all your actions:
-
Tending to
personal grooming
This type of distraction is very common, especially among women. Even if you are running late and didn’t have time to put on your makeup in the morning or shave before your next client meeting, it’s not safe to take care of these tasks on your commute to work. Personal grooming should be taken care of before you leave or after you arrive.
This type of distraction is very common, especially among women. Even if you are running late and didn’t have time to put on your makeup in the morning or shave before your next client meeting, it’s not safe to take care of these tasks on your commute to work. Personal grooming should be taken care of before you leave or after you arrive.
-
Daydreaming or
getting lost in thought
This happens a lot to people without even realizing. Unlike other distractions that take a conscious effort in performing that distraction, it can be very easy to get lost in thought while driving without any intention. Although many people do consider driving to be a convenient way to wind down after a hectic day, and while this may be true, it can likely increase the chances of being involved in a car accident because the person is paying little attention to the road ahead.
This happens a lot to people without even realizing. Unlike other distractions that take a conscious effort in performing that distraction, it can be very easy to get lost in thought while driving without any intention. Although many people do consider driving to be a convenient way to wind down after a hectic day, and while this may be true, it can likely increase the chances of being involved in a car accident because the person is paying little attention to the road ahead.
-
Using a GPS or
in-vehicle navigation system
Whether it’s on your phone or equipped within your vehicle, we all use a GPS for the most part these days. They are incredibly helpful tools, but just like using a phone, it can be risky to use while driving. Attempting to program a navigation system while driving distracts you from the road in that moment because you’re inputting information and looking at a screen. You should always enter your route on the GPS prior to leaving in order to minimize the risk of distraction.
Whether it’s on your phone or equipped within your vehicle, we all use a GPS for the most part these days. They are incredibly helpful tools, but just like using a phone, it can be risky to use while driving. Attempting to program a navigation system while driving distracts you from the road in that moment because you’re inputting information and looking at a screen. You should always enter your route on the GPS prior to leaving in order to minimize the risk of distraction.
-
Making adjustments
to the radio & other controls
When changing radio stations, adjusting the air conditioning, or accessing other functions in your vehicle, it may only take that one second of looking away that can be the cause of an accident. Most vehicles have controls either on the steering wheel or dashboard for easy accessibility, but if you have to take your eyes off the road to make these adjustments, be very aware because it is a form of distraction no matter how little time it takes.
When changing radio stations, adjusting the air conditioning, or accessing other functions in your vehicle, it may only take that one second of looking away that can be the cause of an accident. Most vehicles have controls either on the steering wheel or dashboard for easy accessibility, but if you have to take your eyes off the road to make these adjustments, be very aware because it is a form of distraction no matter how little time it takes.
-
Reaching for an
object
It is important for drivers to take the time to secure items in their vehicle before hitting the road. Reaching for fallen objects requires you to take at least one hand off the wheel, and can require you to lean over or turn your head, causing you to take your eyes off the road. Make sure you put loose items away before you take off in your vehicle. If you need an object and it’s not at all in easy reach, pull over where it is safe to stop and then get the object you need.
It is important for drivers to take the time to secure items in their vehicle before hitting the road. Reaching for fallen objects requires you to take at least one hand off the wheel, and can require you to lean over or turn your head, causing you to take your eyes off the road. Make sure you put loose items away before you take off in your vehicle. If you need an object and it’s not at all in easy reach, pull over where it is safe to stop and then get the object you need.
If
you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor,
Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield,
Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City
Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys
know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your
feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the
compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow
Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join
the conversation by using #MCAA.
