In 2019 alone, crashes involving distracted driving claimed over 3,000 lives. You’ve likely heard it’s dangerous to text while behind the wheel, but here are eight other examples of potentially dangerous distractions while driving.
Driving While Angry Or Sad
Feeling distressed or mad? Take some time to cool down before you jump into a car. A recent large-scale study of 1600 crash events over a 3-year period showed that drivers who are observably angry, sad, or agitated increase their risk of getting into an accident by nearly tenfold.
Your Favorite Song
Research shows that the type of music you listen to—as well as the volume you play it at—can affect your driving. In an Israeli study of 85 teens, novice drivers who loudly blasted their favorite tunes were prone to far more errors and miscalculations. In turn, teens who listened to softer songs they hadn’t selected (easy listening, soft rock, light jazz, etc.) showed a 20 percent decrease in deficient driving behaviors. That isn’t to say you can’t rock out while you’re driving—just keep the volume down and your eyes on the road.
Your Dog
In one recent survey, 84 percent of respondents said they had driven with their pets. However, only 16 percent said they used a form of pet restraint while traveling in a car with their dogs. In contrast, 17 percent said they allowed Fido to sit in their laps while behind the wheel, and 13 percent admitted to feeding him, or giving him treats. To avoid cuddly distractions (and keep your pet safe if you crash), make sure to put it in a backseat-friendly kennel or seat before you hit the highway.
Kids
Researchers find kid passengers in cars to be four times more distracting than adults, and infants to be eight times more distracting. However, one Australian researcher drove this point home when they found that the average parent actually takes their eyes off the road for 3 minutes and 22 seconds during a 16-minute trip.
Hands-free Technology
One study shows that talking via speakerphone, or sending a text or email with voice commands, isn’t less distracting than manually using your smartphone. Once you’re finished making voice commands, you’ll remain distracted for up to 27 seconds as you readjust to road mode. As a result, you might not notice signs, pedestrians, or even other vehicles.
Holding A Full Bladder
Taking a road trip? Make plenty of rest stops. In 2011, one hospital study concluded that having to go to the bathroom badly while driving impairs your judgment and focus on the same level as a 0.05 blood-alcohol content.
Reaching For Things In The Backseat
Make sure you’ve got everything you need with you right by you in the passenger seat. According to one recent study, grasping behind you for a water bottle, or bag, or other travel necessity makes you nine times more likely to have a car accident.
Eating While Driving
One recent poll revealed that 70 percent of 1000 surveyed drivers admitted to eating or drinking beverages while driving. Between potential spills, burns, and a slippery driver’s wheel, is it any wonder a separate study showed that those who eat and drive increase their odds of an accident by 80 percent?
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R. Shipley says,
All great points to remember, And live by!!!!!!
sharon says,
That is nice that you can think of us on the road and not just receive or money I am so touched by this .
B. Everett says,
Great information. It always helps to be reminded of such distractions.
Vicky Cortes says,
Good point!
Vicky Cortes says,
Excellent recommendations. Great points were exposed.
cathy dillon says,
At a dinner party once, I was seated next to a highway patrolman and just to make conversation I asked him what he thought was the biggest cause of car crashes. He didn’t miss a beat. “French fries and ketchup” Good article!
karen wheeler says,
wish someone would explain to my ex’s wife to get the dog off her lap while driving, etc!
Islande Simon says,
Strongly agree kids are very distracting while you are driving and all of the above are true
Tim Douglass says,
While I agree that eating while driving can be a distraction, on long road trips snacking or drinking coffee probably does more good in keeping you awake and alert than it does harm. There is, however, a big difference between snacking on a cookie on the freeway and trying to eat a cheeseburger and fries while navigating city traffic!
Vicky Cortes says,
Excellent recommendations. Great points were exposed.
Vicky Cortes says,
Good point!
Murty Agraharapu says,
Good information, thanks for the updates and awareness of lot of things. Usually we dont give importance to minor things.
james k evans says,
All your items are very important and i live by them….
Hilda says,
Great Information.
Thanks
Shirley M. says,
Very information. Thank you, Geico
Jacqueline Cavero says,
Great information, Thank you
james peruski says,
Interesting.