Distraction while driving is one of the causes of traffic accidents. Accidents on the road are always dangerous. They took the lives of many people, leaving many regrets for their loved ones. According to research, the majority of accidents are caused by driver distraction. Driving while distracted is extremely dangerous and can endanger both the driver and those around him.
Types of distraction when driving a car
According to experts, the three most common types of distraction while driving are:
- Psychological distraction: Any action or thought by the driver that is unrelated to driving, such as talking to passengers, listening to music, listening to the radio, or thinking incessantly. concerning something in my head… Psychological distractions frequently lead to additional distractions.
- Visual distraction: Anything observed by the driver while driving but not intended for driving purposes, such as sightseeing, following someone or something, or looking at a phone… Because one of the most important safe driving principles is to always focus on observing, visual distraction is extremely dangerous. A few seconds of carelessness can have far-reaching consequences.
- Manual distraction occurs when the driver takes one or both hands off the steering wheel to do something such as dialing a phone, adjusting the car screen, adjusting the car speakers, putting on makeup, etc. This will significantly reduce processing speed and the ability to handle an unexpected situation accurately.
Causes of distraction while driving
Constantly thinking
It may appear that endless thinking is harmless, but there is a significant risk. Because when people’s minds are deeply immersed in thoughts, it is easy to become distracted and inattentive to what is going on around them on the road.
According to a study conducted in the United States, up to 62% of all crashes caused by distracted driving were caused by the driver thinking about other things. This is five times the rate of people talking on the phone or texting while driving.
Phone
In today’s digital age, a phone is almost an inseparable object. Its function was not only to listen to / call but also to help find information, access the internet, and entertain… However, calls, messages, and notifications from a certain news site or social network… all of which easily distract the driver. Answering the phone, texting, surfing social networks … is always one of the most likely causes of accidents.
Wine
The number of alcohol-related accidents is increasing every day. The consequences of these accidents, in particular, are frequently severe. This is why many countries, including Vietnam, have laws prohibiting drunk drivers from operating motor vehicles in traffic.
Sleepy
Drowsiness is also a common distraction while driving, particularly when driving long distances or at night. According to some studies, drowsiness is the second leading cause of serious accidents after drunk driving.
Eating
Eating and drinking while driving is an act that drivers commit when faced with multiple distraction while driving. Instead of concentrating on driving, eyes looking ahead can easily be drawn to food or drink. And, of course, the hand leaves the steering wheel to hold food or drink for an extended period of time. According to one study, eating while driving can increase the risk of an accident by up to 80%.
Mood
Driving while angry, frustrated, or agitated can also increase your accident risk tenfold. People’s moods and emotions are more easily affected in countries with complicated traffic systems, frequent traffic jams, and hot weather, such as Vietnam, even if they only encounter a minor situation of dissatisfaction.
How to overcome distraction while driving
Today’s manufacturers continuously develop and equip cars with many advanced safety technologies such as Attention Assist, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Forward Collision Warning System, and others to overcome distraction while driving and prevent the consequences of this situation.
However, regardless of how advanced the car is or how modern it is, the driver is always the most important factor. To protect themselves, drivers should develop the habit of concentrating on driving, limiting phone calls, and not holding the phone. Stop the journey if you are tired, in a bad mood, or need to eat. You should only drive when you are in good physical and mental health.
To avoid distractions while driving, use the Smith System’s five famous safe driving principles, A.G.K.L.M.—”All Good Kids Love Milk.”
A – Aim high in steering – Look further ahead: Do not just look down at the road in front of the car or stare at the car in front, but have a wider vision ahead for quick judgment and recognizing and dealing with unexpected situations.
G – Get the big picture – Overlooking: Should have as broad a view, as comprehensive as possible. This will help predict potential situations and dangers that may occur to provide timely prevention and treatment.
K – Keep your eyes moving – Flexible observation: You should not only focus on the front but also need to observe both sides of the car through the rearview mirror. This helps to better control the space in which the vehicle moves, quickly recognizing if a vehicle behind is trying to pass.
L – Leave yourself an out – Leave space to escape: Should keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front as well as the vehicle on either side. Try to always leave an exit so that there is enough space or time to deal with the unexpected.
M – Make sure they see you – Always make sure other drivers see your car: In situations such as asking for overtaking, changing directions, turning, entering lanes, etc., always turn on the signal lights and honk the horn for the other drivers. Others see your vehicle and give way. Especially before passing or forcing yourself to run parallel to a large vehicle, make sure that the driver can see your car, and do not stay in the blind area of other vehicles for a long time.
MyTravelThru has shared some information with you about distraction while driving. We wish you safe travels. To learn more about this information, you can visit our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
