7 Bad Habits While Driving
Nowadays, driving is becoming an indispensable skill. For the first time drivers, the experience can be harrowing. Nervousness and anxieties can overpower the driver. But when one becomes more confident in driving, the skill becomes second nature. Although confidence in driving is important, having too much of this can also be detrimental. Many drivers take for granted the basic safety considerations because of the overconfidence – and to a certain degree stupidity. Driving safely goes beyond knowing how to drive.
1. Drinking and driving
This is without question this is an awful combination. Information campaigns and legislation have been mad but unfortunately, many still don’t take heed. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation as much as 1.4 million drivers were arrested for drinking and driving in 2010. Moreover, According to the national highway traffic Safety Administration 28% of drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2010 had blood alcohol level of at least 0.08.
2. Texting while driving
SMS has made communication easier. However, it can be fatal when combined with driving. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation as much as 1.6 million accidents can be traced back to texting while driving. In addition, a research done by the Virginia Tech Driving Institute shows that individuals who text while driving have 23% higher risk of accidents.
3. Eating while driving
Multitasking is a common buzzword in the business community. However, not all multi-tasking is good for you. One example is eating while driving. This reduces your concentration and worse, it takes your hands off the wheel unnecessarily. Although many cars are equipped with storage features like cup holders and some other compartments, eating while driving just puts you at risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that eating while driving increases your risk for accidents by 80%. Likewise, 65% of near misses are due to distracted driving caused by food and drinks. Here’s an alarming after thought – this is higher than texting while driving!
4. Putting on makeup while driving
It’s always best to look good. But not in the expense of your safety and the safety of others! Even if you put make up during stops, this does not guarantee safe driving. Anything that will distract you from driving is not a good idea – unless of course you want to look good in an accident.
5. Bedroom stuff while driving
There are some who like adventure and thrill. Doing it in the car while driving is not safe – even if you’re wearing protection! Being part of the 60mph club can be a thrill but can end with a literal bang. The thrill of fooling around while driving is just not worth the risk. Get a room.
Texting While Driving Is as Worse as Drinking and Driving - A must read for parents with teen drivers
6. Arguing and fighting while driving
Distractions come from many sources. Sometimes heightened emotions can be enough to take your mind off the road. One’s mental state while driving is very important. Reaction times can drastically slow down when one is not in the right frame of mind. Keeping one’s coo while behind the wheel is important. So choose where you will do your battles.
7. Sleeping while driving
For obvious reasons, this is a deadly combination. A research conducted by an online car insurance company revealed that 5% of drivers admit to have fallen asleep or dozed off while driving. The first sign of drowsiness must never be taken lightly. If you need to pull over and get a quick shut eye then do so.
Distracted driving is a recipe for disaster. Responsible driving means keeping your focus on the task at hand – and that’s driving. Even if driving is second nature to you, prudence is always a safer course of action. Over confidence can result to accidents and deaths.
QUICK QUERIES
- What distracts you the most while driving?
- What risky behaviors do you do while driving?
