A Classification of Driving Distractions
Driving Distractions Could Be Fatal
We tend to do all kind of activities while we are driving, but are we conscious enough about the risks we assume? Engaging in these kind of activities called driving distractions could bring you a lot of suffering, from minor accidents to fatal car crashes.
Driving distractions can be classified in 3 categories:
- Visual distractions: include looking for items in your car, admiring the view, checking your GPS etc. Your eyes should be always on the road and for every other things you need to see you can always pull over.
- Manual distractions: these kind of distractions are a combination between visual and manual, including eating, smoking, doing your make-up, changing the radio station, adjusting your GPS, using your cell phone, making other adjustments in your car (seatbelt, mirrors, seat, steering wheel) and so on. All these activities should be done before you are rolling on the road and again pulling over is the best option in case there is something you forgot and needs to be done or you can use your passengers to do the things for you.
- Cognitive distractions: causing your attention to drift apart, cognitive distractions sum up activities like talking with your passengers, daydreaming, having stressful, upsetting or emotional thoughts, road rage and of course driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When behind the wheel you should stay calm no matter what, staying away from any type of arguments and also you should be rested. If you are taking a medical treatment, ask your doctor or read the medicine description so you can be sure that those substances don’t affect your driving capacity.
All these tips may seem easy at the first sight and you probably saw and heard them many times before, but how many of them do you really accomplish? In a technology and multitasking era these safe habits may be hard to follow, but remember that it is possible.
You can also read Florida Highway Patrol: Tips For Safety Driving.
