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Yes, You Are Most Likely Driving Distracted

Mar 07, 2016 Fleet, Trucking, RoadSafety, RoadAccidents, Truck, FleetManagement, Insurance



We at AutoForum have posted a lot of stories about the danger of distracted driving over the years. Not because we think we are immune, but because we know how easy it is to fall into the trap. MIWA recently sent an article to the motoring media regarding the issue and, once again, it struck a cord.

Take a careful read here, because in this digital age, it is almost impossible to be completely innocent of wrong doing.

“Texting while operating a vehicle is a seriously dangerous activity, but distracted driving means more than just texting. It’s any activity that takes a person’s attention away from the main task of driving,” says Les Mc Master, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA). “There are three types of distractions, namely visual, which is when the driver takes their eyes off the road; manual, a task that requires the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel; and cognitive, when the driver’s mind is not focussed on the task at hand.”
 
Mc Master points out that these activities could include eating and drinking, grooming, adjusting the radio or talking to passengers, but there are of course many more. “Texting is the riskiest activity because it is a visual, manual and cognitive diversion, which means no attention is being paid to the road.”
 
According to the National Roads and Motorists Association, drivers who regularly send text messages spend up to 400 percent more time with their eyes on the phone instead of on the road. “When you’re driving, you have to think about a lot of things: your speed, the traffic laws, the direction you’re going in, road conditions, pedestrians, other cars around you. It’s a long list, and if you’re not focussed on the task at hand, there is a greater chance that you’ll be involved in an accident.”
 
For many of us, our car has become our mobile office, so changing these habits can be difficult. However, this is not a strong enough case for putting yourself and other drivers at risk, believes Mc Master. “Making driving safely your priority while in your vehicle is the first step in the right direction. It’s really a matter of being disciplined and appreciating the risks involved. Passengers can also help drivers remain focussed by reminding them when their attention is not on the road and assisting them with anything they may need."


In a nutshell, these are some of the behaviours you need to ensure that both you, your staff (particularly if they drive your vehicles) and your loved ones should abide by. Some of them seem glaringly obvious, but sometimes the most obvious issues get ignored:

  • Don’t read, eat, change clothing or groom yourself while driving.
  • Don’t allow passengers to distract you. Ensure small children are buckled up before departing and if they require attention during the trip, rather pull   over to assist them.
  • Don’t let animals roam around the vehicle freely, rather put them in a pet carrier which is properly restrained.
  • Create a playlist with your favourite music so you don’t have to look for songs.
  • Let your friends and family know you will not answer any phone calls or texts while driving.
  • Keep a safe following distance, allowing yourself time to react if required.

 

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