In an age where multitasking has become second nature, it’s all too easy to forget that driving demands our full attention. The consequences of distracted driving can be severe, yet many of us still engage in behaviours that take our focus away from the road. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest driving distractions and why they pose such a significant risk.
Dangers of Using Mobile Phones
It’s no surprise that mobile phones top the list of driving distractions. Despite all the driving lessons in Burwood East, many drivers still find it hard to resist its lure, and everything goes to waste!
Sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 100 kmph, that’s equivalent to driving the length of a football pitch blindfolded. It’s not just texting; social media notifications, emails, and instant messaging apps all pose similar risks.
Even hands-free calls can be a distraction! While your hands may be on the steering, your mind is engaged in conversation, reducing your ability to process visual information and react to sudden changes in traffic.
Eating and Drinking
It’s common to see drivers sipping coffee or munching on a quick snack during their commute. This can be –
Manual distraction: Take your hands off the wheel to unwrap food or hold a drink
Visual distraction: Looking away from the road to find your food or drink
Cognitive distraction: Focusing on the act of eating or drinking rather than driving
Besides, spills and dropped food can cause additional, sudden distractions that could lead to accidents.
Unruly or Chatterbox Passengers
While having company on a long journey can be enjoyable, rowdy passengers can also be a deadly source of distraction. This is particularly true for young drivers with young passengers. Heated conversations, screaming their lungs out for a trending song, or even just turning to look at a passenger can all divert attention from the road.
Rubbernecking
It’s human nature to be curious, but slowing down to look at accidents or other roadside incidents (known as rubbernecking) is a dangerous habit. Although your driving school in Springvale warns you of this bad habit, many drivers “blissfully” ignore it. Not only does it create traffic congestion, but it also significantly increases the risk of secondary accidents as drivers focus on the spectacle rather than the road ahead.
Cognitive Distractions
Not all distractions are visible. Sometimes, the biggest distraction is inside our own heads. Stress, emotional turmoil, or simply daydreaming can all impact our ability to focus on driving. These cognitive distractions can be particularly dangerous because they’re not always obvious to the driver or others.
To sum it up – no text, snack, or small talk is worth risking your life or the lives of others. So, the next time you get behind the wheel, take a moment to centre yourself and commit to driving with full attention. After all, the most important thing is arriving in “one piece” (pun intended).
Kick Out Bad Driving Habits – Master Defensive Driving From Experts!
Join Learning Path Driving School to master driving like a pro from our expert instructors. Driving isn’t just about manoeuvring; it’s about staying alert, too. Call 0438 416 286 to enrol in our driving lessons.
