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Developments within the automotive trade persistently purpose to reinforce the driving expertise. Security-focused applied sciences comparable to backup cameras, lane departure warnings, and impediment detection methods present drivers with priceless instruments to forestall accidents and collisions. Nonetheless, the flip aspect of this technological progress is the potential for distraction, as smartphones and infotainment methods demand our consideration and divert focus from the street.
Regardless that most drivers know that utilizing expertise whereas driving is unsafe, it doesn’t at all times cease that temptation to take a look at that display screen “for only a few seconds.” And that’s all it takes for drivers to have a crash.
“Over time, individuals get comfy with driving; they suppose it’s a birthright,” says Tony Douglas, President and CEO of Smith System. “Driving is just not like strolling down the road; it’s essential put extra thought into the place you’re going and what’s round you.”
Know-how, for all its advantages, has develop into one of many greatest culprits within the rising downside of distracted driving.
“Individuals are multitasking within the automotive as a result of expertise allows them to do extra,” Douglas says. “In the event you’re taking a look at your gadgets in any respect, there’s a lag time when you re-engage your thoughts. So throughout that point, you’re not 100% centered.”
Even when your automotive isn’t transferring in the course of the time you look at your telephone — let’s say you’re stopped at a purple gentle — it nonetheless takes seven to 13 seconds after wanting again up on the street so that you can re-engage.
“Possibly the sunshine turned inexperienced, and now you’re going via an intersection or making a flip, however you’re nonetheless not totally engaged with driving.”
Distracted Driving Is on the Rise
Distracted driving has develop into so prevalent that 88% of individuals responding to a new survey from the AAA Visitors Security Basis thought of it the No. 1 danger on the street. And though drivers understand it’s an issue, practically half stated they recurrently speak on their cellphones whereas they’re driving; greater than a 3rd admitted to sending texts or emails whereas behind the wheel
Douglas says that failure to acknowledge simply how severe distractions are can endanger not solely the driving force and passengers, however everybody else on the street as nicely.
“Folks have to know the significance of getting their eyes on what’s happening across the automotive,” he says. “You may’t have that for those who’re taking a look at a display screen as an alternative of the street.”
5 Methods to Safely Handle Know-how On the Street
To handle expertise on the street in a protected method, Smith System recommends rethinking how and when it’s used. Undertake these new practices to extend security whereas behind the wheel:
1. Test your route earlier than you go.
With at present’s GPS methods, it’s widespread to plug an handle into a tool and observe the instructions as you go. However checking the route earlier than leaving gives you an thought of any potential visitors issues, crashes, or street building that you just need to keep away from. It’s higher to find out about these conditions prematurely so you’ll be able to select an alternate route — and keep away from wanting on the map whereas driving.
2. Pay attention, don’t look.
When you’re within the automotive, ensure your GPS is ready to “speak” mode so you’ll be able to observe audible instructions as an alternative of visible ones. Once more, keep away from wanting on the map in your gadget and as an alternative hold your eyes on the street.
3. Program your expertise earlier than you allow.
Set your music choices, regulate your seats and local weather controls, and begin your GPS navigation earlier than you are taking your car out of the “park.” When you’re in gear, give all of your consideration to driving, to not adjusting the surroundings round you.
4. Set your telephone to Do Not Disturb.
We routinely activate the ‘don’t disturb’ mode on our telephones throughout essential conferences, a observe that ought to prolong to our time behind the wheel. Adopting this behavior helps eradicate the urge to reply calls whereas driving, considerably enhancing the security of our journeys. Inform your contacts while you’re about to begin your journey, and kindly let those that would possibly name you realize that you’re going to reply as soon as you have safely reached your vacation spot. Whatever the nature of the decision, prioritizing the security of your self and your passengers takes priority, and any matter can patiently wait till you arrive safely.
5. By no means textual content whereas driving.
Texting is among the most harmful practices you’ll be able to take part in whereas driving; Douglas says that one latest examine discovered that drivers are 23 instances extra more likely to crash whereas texting. Simply don’t do it.
Whereas expertise can supply large advantages to your security, all drivers ought to be taught to handle it correctly.
“You assume an enormous duty each time you get within the driver’s seat,” Douglas says.
Studying learn how to correctly handle expertise will assist make the roads safer for everybody. Discover out extra methods to maintain your self and your family members safer on the street with our Driving Household course, which was created utilizing the confirmed Smith5Keys® ideas to assist make each journey a protected one.
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