What can happen in a second? A bullet can travel 900m, a snail can move 1cm in the rain, lightning strikes six times, a bee beats its wings 270 times, and 2 393 470 emails are sent per second. If all that can happen in a second, what can happen in the time you take your eyes off the road?
According to the United States Department of Transportation, in 2015 alone, 3 477 people died and 391 000 people were injured due to the drivers being distracted. That’s in the US alone and only because of distractions.
It’s all too easy to quickly glance away from the road to do something while driving, but what will that cost you?
Distractions while driving include:
- Talking on your cell phone
- Sending or reading a text message or email
- Looking at your passengers
- Changing clothes
- Eating and drinking
- Searching for something
- Fiddling with the radio
- Applying make-up
- Working on your GPS
- Being overtired and sleepy
- Being medicated or intoxicated
- Being anxious
Anything that prevents you from focussing on the road is seen as a distraction. And unfortunately, the reality of the matter is that allowing yourself to be distracted while driving, you put not only your life and the lives of your passengers in danger but also the lives of other road users.
So, what are the best practices?
- Do not drive under the influence, even one glass; call a taxi or a friend.
- The same goes for medication. If you need to take something that makes you drowsy, rather phone a friend.
- Plan your route before you start the vehicle.
- If you’re driving long distances, make sure you stop and stretch your legs regularly – at least every two hours.
- This might be hard, but wait until you’re stationary before fiddling with your radio or searching for something in your vehicle.
- Put your phone away or somewhere out of reach.
- If you need to eat or drink something, make a pit stop.
- Plan your day as best possible to give yourself the time to put on make-up and getting dressed before getting in the vehicle. Also, when you have more time, you’ll be less anxious about getting to your destination.
- If you are running late, phone ahead and let them know instead of speeding.
We make it our mission to stand by you and keep you informed. At Indwe Risk Services, we are not only your insurance advisor but also your partner for life. Contact us by visiting www.indwe.co.za or phoning 0860 13 13 14, and we will find a solution for you.
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Information sources: New Scientist, All Top Ten, NHTSA and Wheels24