Driving is a dangerous activity without the external dangers that await you down the road but if you get behind the wheel and not focus on the road ahead, you increase the chances of being involved in an accident. There are several driver distractions that pose a danger to drivers while they are behind the wheel. Here is a listed of 5 of them that may surprise you:
Eating – According to the National Road Traffic Safety Administration eating food and drinking beverages behind the wheel is at the top the list of the most dangerous driving habits. Sorry coffee fans, but that mug of hot coffee is a huge risk. I think we can all agree that burning hot coffee on your lap could be distracting. So, please avoid drinking or eating while driving a car for your own safety.
Sleepy Driving – Sleepy driving reduces reaction time, which increases the chance of getting involved in an accident. Are you aware that sleepy driving happens most often during the first hour of the work shift? It is really important to be awake and alert when driving a car. So, makes sure you get enough sleep before getting in the driver’s seat.
Daydreaming – According to a current analysis of countrywide crash data, daydreaming was the cause of 62% of car accidents between 2014-2015. Controlling what happens within our minds can be challenging, but it is vital to pay attention to the road. So, begin considering your weekend break plans when you switch off your car or truck.
In-vehicle Entertainment – One particular research performed on drivers adjusting their radio channels discovered that accident-risk is significantly increased when drivers take their eyes off the road for longer than 2 seconds. In this instance, it is wiser to stop listening to music instead of switching channels.
Sightseeing – It’s important that drivers always look at the road and pay attention to your environment. However, you shouldn’t focus on exterior objects.
When that billboard with all the delicious cheeseburger is looking right at you, it can be hard to concentrate. Just make sure you watch the road and please don’t speed to the closest burger joint.
Rewire Security’s Fleet Tracking and GPS Tracking solutions give supervisors real-time data so they can monitor risky driving behaviour and develop comprehensive safety goals and procedures based on fleet-wide driving habits.