Distractions can be a big distraction when driving, and you can do a few things to avoid them. First, make sure you are focused on the road ahead and your surroundings. Second, keep a safe distance from other drivers and pedestrians. Third, use your phone sparingly and only when necessary. Fourth, stay calm and organized while driving. Fifth, always take breaks if needed.
Distracted Driving
5 best tips to avoid distractions when driving
If you're driving, it's important to pay attention to the road and your surroundings. Here are 5 tips to help keep you safe and focused while driving:
1. Don't talk on your phone
It's not just distracting to yourself - talking on your phone while driving can be dangerous. Studies show that people who use their phones drive faster, take longer trips, and have accidents at twice the rate of those without phones. In fact, texting behind the wheel causes drivers to lose focus on the road, increasing the risk of accidents and injury. If you're going to text while driving, pull over to a safe place before doing so.
2. Use car mirrors
Mirrors help keep cars moving forward but don't always provide complete visibility. Drivers using mirrors should pay attention to blind spots, side-view mirrors, rear-view mirrors, and windows. Consider these things when pulling out of parking spaces and turning left or right.
3. Avoid distractions
The biggest distraction we face when driving is our thoughts, says John Cappella, author of "Driven To Distraction." People often find themselves lost in thought, daydreaming about what happened yesterday or wondering how traffic is getting worse each year. You may even start feeling sleepy if you haven't slept well lately. When you feel distracted, get off the phone, turn down the radio, or put away your GPS.
4. Look ahead
Only look at your phone while driving if you need to make a call or send a message. Looking down at the screen takes your eyes off the road and makes you less aware of where you're driving. Instead, try looking straight ahead at something outside the window or focusing on the road ahead.
5. Take breaks
If you're being pulled away from the task at hand, it might mean you're tired. Get some sleep or go for a walk. Your body will thank you later!
6. Turn down the music
Turning up the volume drowns out ambient noise around you, including voices, horns, sirens, and footsteps. Music only serves to distract and isn't necessary to stay awake. Listen instead to podcasts or audiobooks.
7. Stay calm
When stressed, adrenaline rushes through your system, and you become hyper-alert. Adrenaline doesn't allow you to think clearly, making concentrating harder. Calm yourself by taking deep breaths and counting to 10 or repeating a word or phrase to keep your brain focused.
In conclusion, keeping distractions to a minimum while driving is important. By following these tips, you can avoid getting lost in your work or having to take your eyes off the road to focus on your car.
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