The Importance of Paying Attention While Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2012, 3,328 individuals in the United States died and 421,000 were injured in automobile accidents caused by distracted driving.  NHTSA defines distracted driving as “any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving.”  This includes not only talking (with or without a hands free device) or texting on a cell phone, but eating and drinking, grooming, talking to passengers, reading maps or using a navigation system, watching videos, and making adjustments to your radio, CD player, or MP3 player.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) offers the following helpful tips for avoiding distracted driving.

• Securely store any loose gear in the car before you begin driving.  This way, you won’t be tempted to pick up an item which has rolled onto the floor from the car seat while you are driving.
• Enter your destination into your GPS while your car is still in park.
• Finish dressing, brushing your hair, applying makeup, etc. at home before you get into your car.
• If possible, avoid eating and drinking while you are driving.  If you must do so, choose small snacks that are easily held in your hand and which can be consumed without you looking at them.
• If a child or pet in your car demands your attention, pull the car over into a safe area prior to addressing them.
• Store your cell phone in an area that you cannot reach so that you will not be tempted to check it if you receive a call or text message.
• Let your passengers know that you are trying to be a more mindful driver, and you may not be able to hold lengthy conversations with them while you are driving.  Enlist their help in actively scanning the road for pedestrians and cyclists.