At resqme, your safety is our top priority. With April marking Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on the dangers of distracted driving and how you can take action to avoid them. Every year, thousands of accidents happen simply because someone looked away, took their hands off the wheel, or let their mind drift. In this blog, we’ll break down the three main types of distractions, share tips to help you stay focused, and offer tools to stay safe in the event of an emergency.
The Three Types of Distracted Driving
- Visual Distractions: Taking Your Eyes Off the Road
Even a few seconds of looking away can be enough to cause a serious crash. One of the most common visual distractions is reading or replying to a text. Changing songs, checking a GPS, or even glancing at a notification are all risks. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year.
Tip: Place your phone in a spot that’s out of reach while driving. You can also activate “Do Not Disturb While Driving” features to help eliminate temptation.
- Manual Distractions: Taking Your Hands Off the Wheel
Eating, adjusting controls, reaching for items, or using your phone with your hands all fall under manual distractions. Anytime your hands leave the wheel, even for a second, you’re sacrificing control of the vehicle.
Tip: Use hands-free systems for calls, set your navigation before you drive, and avoid multitasking behind the wheel. Remember, your hands should stay where they belong, on the wheel.
- Cognitive Distractions: Taking Your Mind Off Driving
Your mind doesn’t have to wander far for your focus to slip. Daydreaming, worrying, talking to passengers, or even getting lost in a podcast can pull your attention away from driving.
Tip: Plan ahead so your mind is free to focus on the drive. Save deep conversations, problem-solving, or emotional talks for when you’re safely parked. Awareness is key, if you catch yourself mentally drifting, gently bring your focus back to the road.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving
Taking a few small steps can go a long way toward preventing distractions:
- Silence the Phone: Store it where it’s out of sight and out of mind. Use hands-free calling only if absolutely necessary. iPhones and many Android devices offer auto-reply settings for when you’re driving.
- Don’t Eat or Drink While Driving: Even a quick sip can become a major distraction. Eat before or after your trip, not during.
- Set It and Forget It: Program your GPS, adjust mirrors, and set your playlist before you leave.
- Limit Passenger Distractions: Ask passengers to help you stay focused. Keep conversations light and explain that you need to concentrate.
- Control the Noise: Keep audio at a moderate level so you can hear your surroundings and stay alert.
Always Be Prepared for the Unexpected
In case of any emergency on the road, it is important to always be prepared for the unexpected. The resqme® car escape tool could save your life in a car accident or car entrapment emergency. It is a 2-in-1 seatbelt cutter and window breaker that can cut jammed seat belts and shatter tempered glass windows if you are trapped in your car after a collision, rollover accident, car submersion and more. The resqme® saves a life on average every 15 days and is trusted by first responders.
As we recognize Distracted Driving Awareness Month, take a moment to invest in your safety. Visit our website [resqme.com] or our [Amazon store] to get your resqme® tool today—and drive with confidence, knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected.
In conclusion, during this month and always, make sure you are focused on the road when driving a vehicle. You have your own life and others’ lives at stake and that should not be taken lightly. A text, call, podcast, or a bite to eat can always wait. However, taking your safety seriously cannot. Prioritize you and your loved ones safety by bringing awareness around distracted driving. Always stay safe and prepared when seconds count in an emergency.
