A large percentage of accidents that happen occur due to a driver being distracted. Ideally, a driver should be focused on what is happening on the road, and only what is happening on the road, while driving. However, there are many distractions that can pull the driver’s attention away from the road, which can ultimately lead to an accident. Here are three common driving distractions that can lead to accidents and what you can do to avoid them.
Texting or Talking on the Phone While Driving
One of the most common driving distractions that drivers on the road today encounter is texting or talking while driving. Cellphones are a major distraction to a vehicle operator, and studies have shown that texting while driving can impair a driver in the same way alcohol does. There are apps or settings on your phone that can be used to ensure you do not get any incoming phone call or text notifications while you are driving, which helps you to focus on the road. If you are getting ready to head out on a long drive, wrap up all of your text conversations prior to hitting the road to minimize your distractions.
Zoning Out While Driving
Another common driving distraction that can lead to accidents is zoning out while driving. Maybe you are listening to the radio and a song takes your mind back to an old date, maybe you are preparing for a meeting in your office and playing out scenarios in your mind, or maybe you are just daydreaming about a date you have planned for the evening. Zoning out while driving can be dangerous, as it takes your attention off of the road. If you notice you frequently zone out while listening to the radio, try to listen to a podcast or shut off the radio altogether. If you notice you zone out while thinking about other things while driving, you may have to train your mind to focus solely on the road and shut everything else out.
Completing Other Tasks While Driving
The final common distraction that can lead to accidents while you are driving is completing other tasks while driving. Many people eat their lunch or dinner while driving to or from meetings, apply make-up when they are running late for work, or mediate fights between their children in the back seat. Driving is not the time for a vehicle operator to multi-task. As a driver, your full and undivided attention should be on the road. Make time for other activities and avoid other tasks while you are driving.
Avoiding common driving distractions can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Unfortunately, though, there is no way to eliminate the risk of an accident altogether. If you have been in an accident, you need an autobody repair shop that you can trust and rely on to get your vehicle back to pre-accident condition. Certified Collision Center Auto Body is a trusted and dependable auto body shop with several locations throughout the Central Valley. Call us today to inspect your damaged vehicle and to obtain an estimate for repairs.