Doing crossword puzzles, putting on make-up, and using a cell phone can easily divert your concentration from driving. American studies report that nearly one out of four car crashes involve some type of driver distraction, with “tuning the radio’ noted as the No. 1 driving distraction, followed by ‘eating on the run’ and ‘turning around to talk with passengers’. Other deadly distractions include reading newspapers or maps, combing your hair, shaving and smoking. One woman was even arrested for breast-feeding while driving.
New types of technology are increasing the problem of inattentive driving. More than 70 years ago, lawmakers pondered whether radios should be permitted in cars. Nowadays, the debate continues over banning the use of cellphones, computers, CD players and other media players inside a car.
While mobile phones have unquestionably had a positive impact on public safety, it is a fact that using this potentially lifesaving tool while driving, increases your chance of getting into a crash by 400%. If you must talk while you drive, the safest way is to use a hand-free device. Otherwise, position the phone within easy reach and don’t let a phone call distract you from driving safely. Better yet, wait until you have arrived at your destination or pull off the road to a safe area or allow your voice mail to pick up your calls and return to them at your own convenience.
Last year, a lorry driver who was eating a packet of crisps and steering with his elbows while negotiating a mini-roundabout was fined £250. According to several recent surveys by insurance companies, eating behind the wheel is one of the most distracting activities in which drivers can engage. It usually involves driving with one hand, fumbling with napkins, wrappers and beverages. Besides which, of course, it leaves your car looking like a salad bar.
Eating and drinking while driving seriously impairs a driver’s reaction time and increases the likelihood of getting into an accident. Interestingly, surveys indicate that drinking behind the wheel is more dangerous than eating, possibly because drinking also involves drivers concentrating on not spilling anything.
In response to the growing need for new in-car solutions, car manufacturers around the world are working on hi-technology gadgets devoted both to travelling comfort and driving enjoyment. Built-in cup holders, on-board communication devices, navigation and entertainment systems are all gaining in popularity. However, not all in-car technology makes for safer vehicles. Most experts agree that new kinds of technology, such as GPS navigation systems, are being put in cars faster than drivers can learn how to use them. However, that does not mean drivers should not have access to communication and entertainment devices while in a car. The proper solution here is education. Drivers need to be taught how to use all these fancy gadgets properly.
Driving is a very demanding task, yet more and more drivers are trying to figure out what other tasks they can perform while driving. Evidence shows, however, that people are multi-tasking beyond their cognitive limits, focusing their attention away from the road and putting themselves and their passengers in jeopardy. Even those who perceive themselves as safe drivers admit doing outlandish things behind the wheel, such as changing clothes, practising presentations or making lists of things to do. The problem is that many people tend to seriously overestimate their ability to multi-tasking.