Texting, checking social media and making a phone call while driving are all very dangerous forms of distraction. However, too many people wrongfully assume that screen-based distraction is the biggest contributing risk to distracted driving.
Distracted driving crashes have been a big risk on the road since well before the rise of mobile phone technology. People don’t always realize that many of their daily habits in their vehicles could lead to serious distraction, even if they never touch a phone.
Your daily routine should not take place in a car
Those with long commutes or who find themselves running late for work one morning may try to perform some of their daily rituals in their vehicle on the way to work. Someone might put on a tie, button their shirt or even apply makeup.
People also report witnessing drivers using electric razors or toothbrushes while at the wheel. Whether it’s eating or grooming, your daily activities will distract your brain and take your hands off the wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Anything that takes your mind off the drive is a very unsafe habit
Your commute may consume a significant amount of your day, and make you feel like you don’t have enough time in your life. You might try to talk to friends while you drive, listen to a book on tape, mentally prepare for your big meeting at work or even just daydream about what you want to do this weekend to reclaim a sense of ownership of your time. Doing so is dangerous.
You need to keep your mind focused on the task of driving, just like you need to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. Recognizing the forms of distraction you might engage in because they don’t involve a phone could help you make better decisions while driving and possibly reduce your risk of getting into a serious car crash.
Even if you’re conscientious about avoid distractions while driving, many other drivers are not. If you’ve been injured in a collision caused by a distracted driver, don’t hesitate to seek the compensation you need to deal with expenses and damages.