Driving around town can be challenging enough as it is, but when you add a mobile phone in a driver’s hands, it can get dangerous. Younger drivers are becoming more and more preoccupied with talking and texting while driving, and as a father, this topic hits close to home.
Take a look at this video that covers some of the risks of being distracted while driving:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su3xvFIfZPE
According to distraction.gov, there are three main types of distraction:
Visual — taking your eyes off the road
Manual — taking you hands of the wheel
Cognitive — taking your mind off what you’re doing
Texting while driving covers all three types, so it’s no surprise that it’s especially dangerous. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. But, there are other distractions that you should be aware of:
– Using a cell phone
– Eating and drinking
– Talking to passengers
– Grooming
– Reading, including maps
– Using a PDA or navigation system
– Watching a video
– Changing the radio station, CD, or Mp3 player
It’s a good idea to tell your family and friends that if they call you or text you while you’re in the car that you’ll follow up once you’re at your destination. If you have any questions or comments about this post, feel free to leave a comment below or come on by and see me!
