One look at your cell phone is all it takes to end a life. This is how serious distracted driving is, and we are all prone to do it. It is challenging to remain focused while driving because of so many distractions. Ironically, newer vehicles come with built-in distractions. For example, complex GPS devices and camera technology can be challenging to use and can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road.
Types of distracted driving
There are three types of distracted driving:
Visual: any visual distractions
Manual: taking your hands off your vehicle’s wheel
Cognitive: being mentally distracted while driving
As you can see, you can become easily distracted in different ways.
Cognitive distractions
Have you experienced a time when you were so focused thinking of something that even though you were driving properly, your mind was elsewhere? Thinking can sometimes be as dangerous as taking your hands off the wheel or looking down to find your cell phone.
Safe driving requires being “all there,” with all our senses focused on driving and nothing else. It is essential to keep this in mind and remember the ways you can become distracted while behind the wheel.
Especially with innovative technology coming out in new vehicle models, ensure that you know how to navigate the technology systems while you are not driving so you can be entirely focused on the only task at hand, which is driving safely to prevent an accident and potentially the loss of life.