Did you know that distracted driving kills more than 3,000 people every year? It’s true. And these days it is easier than ever to get distracted behind the wheel. From your cell phone to food and drink to even the car itself, distractions are more prevalent on the road than ever before. That’s why the pros at Auto Service Kingston in Kingston, ON, are sharing the common causes of distracted driving, and what you can do to avoid them.
Your Cell Phone
This is the number one cause of distracted driving. People are on their phones more than ever before, and a lot of folks don’t seem to think driving a car is a good enough reason to put them down. That’s why there is a worldwide push for laws restricting texting while driving, as it has been proven impossible to text and drive effectively at the same time. No text or voicemail is worth your life. To avoid your cell phone while driving, simply keep it in your pocket or toss it in the passenger seat. There is nothing that can’t wait until you arrive alive.
Eating & Drinking
Everyone does it – you’re on your way someplace and you are hungry. You swing through a drive-through and grab a burger or a breakfast sandwich and you eat it on the way to your destination. While this is a widely accepted practice, it really isn’t all that safe. Nothing should distract from the road ahead, and a drop of ketchup on a work shirt or a cup of spilled coffee in a lap means your attention is instantly directed away from the road. Avoid this distraction by simply waiting to eat or drink until you get where you are going. And yes, this means the fries too.
Your Car Itself
Modern vehicles are more sophisticated than ever and full of things that can be causes of distracted driving. Your radio or streaming service, the touch screens, the GPS, even video and cameras can all take your attention away from where it needs to be. To avoid being distracted by your car itself, do everything you’d do on the road before you leave the driveway. Pick out your radio station, set your GPS, turn off the entertainment on your screens, and then start your journey.
At Auto Service Kingston in Kingston, ON, we want everyone on the roads to be safe and happy. Avoid distracted driving means you’ll get where you are going in one piece, and that’s really everyone’s goal. Be safe out there!