In the United States, distracted driving is common practice, but it should never be an acceptable behavior. According to an infographic by Carsurance, nine persons die everyday in America just because someone can’t stay focus enough while steering the vehicle.
To help change the norm is to start with yourself. Below are some the most responsible things you can do so that American roads can have at least one less distracted driver.
1. Leave Your Phone In The Backseat
If you really can’t help but touch your phone while sitting behind the wheel, keep it out of your reach. The glove compartment is too near to be an effective place of storage for it. The backseat is a better candidate to help you resist the temptation of multitasking.
2. Prevent Visual And Auditory Impairment
You need all of your senses active when driving, but your eyes and ears are the most important. Ensure that they are not impaired in any way to help you concentrate on your surroundings with ease.
3. Secure Everything
Avoid starting your journey with loose items in the car. If you are driving with passengers, make sure they are buckled up and are not constantly moving inside the vehicle.
4. Drink (Water) And Drive
Proper hydration can combat sluggishness and drowsiness while driving. Gulp plenty of water or other cold non-alcoholic beverage to cool your body.
5. Pull Over Whenever Necessary
Sometimes, you need to pay attention to something else, like a crying child, while on the road. If some things are a safety concern, do not hesitate to pull over somewhere away from the traffic in order to attend to it safely.
6. Chew Gum
Get your mouth busy with bubble gum to keep your mind active. Of course, unpack a stick of gum only when your vehicle is stationary.
7. Keep An Essential Oil Handy
Do you need to wake up your brain? A sniff of an aromatic scent, like citrus or peppermint, can help you regain your alertness. This stimulant has a powerful kick that allows you to invigorate your senses without adding sugar or caffeine to your system. Again, pull over first.
8. Take Rest Stops
When it comes to long road trips, it pays to take some rest every once in a while. Pushing your body to its limits in hopes of reaching your destination faster may actually keep you from getting there in one piece.
9. Be A Good Role Model
Show your kids how to drive responsibly. Young motorists have a natural disadvantage of having an underdeveloped brain, which affects their decision-making. But if you are a good example, you can help them keep themselves and their fellow motorists from danger when it is their turn to drive.
It is practically impossible to stay away from distractions while driving, and it takes serious commitment, discipline, and determination to remain focused most of the time. If you succeed, you can already make American roads so much safer by not adding to the problem.
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