ALT-1 Driver Safety Things you should never do while Driving
It is easy to say doing two things at once does not affect your driving or your safety. We sometimes have high expectations of our driving ability and what we are able to multitask at one time. In reality though, it is not always your driving that can get you into a terrible situation on the road. Other drivers may be doing multiple things while driving as well. They could be inexperienced drivers and make an amateur driving decision that affects you or they could even be driving drunk.It is your ability to react quickly that will keep you and your passengers safe. If you are distracted by any of the following things, you will be putting everyone in your car in harm's way, since your reflexes will certainly be delayed:
Forget to Buckle-upFirst and foremost, the car should not even be put into "Drive" until the driver and all passengers in the car have fastened their seat belts. In many US states, this is the law. However, in all states, it's smart. If you try to buckle your seat belt once you have already started to drive, perhaps after you have spotted a police car, you are not paying strict attention to the road or your driving.
Cellphone UsageAnother activity while driving that is at the center of much controversy is cellphone usage. Again, most US states have laws against talking on a hand held cellphone while driving. Some have even outlawed talking on the phone with a hands-free device. If your attention is on anything else beside the road, other cars and your own driving, then you are not driving safely. Text messaging while driving is even more distracting as a driver since you have to look at the phone to check what you have typed and hit a series of keys to address and send the message.
Finish Getting DressedMany of us are guilty of this one. You're running late for work in the morning. You hop in your car mostly ready for work, but with the intention of putting on your make-up or tying your tie at the first traffic light. Once you shift your attention to your eyeliner or fixing your collar, you are no longer paying attention to the road or the cars around you. Perhaps you are certain you will notice out of the corner of your freshly-mascaraed lashes that the light has turned green and you will immediately start to drive. But are you also absolutely certain that you will notice a car in the other direction, trying to make the light, that guns it through the intersection even though the light was red? That is not a chance anyone should take with their safety. Arrive at your destination alive, even if your arrival is 5 minutes late.Continue Happy HourThis is an obvious no-no while driving. Do not drink alcoholic beverages and drive. Do not drink them while driving, or before driving. Stay at the bar or home where you are drinking to finish your cocktail and call yourself a taxi when you are ready to leave. You can return the next day to pick up your car once the affects of the alcohol are gone. It may seem like a huge inconvenience, but an accident or injury to yourself or others would be an even worse one. Not to mention, it is horribly selfish to put others in harms way for your convenience.Reach for Lost ItemsIf your cellphone, or your make-up case, both of which you should not be using, roll off the passenger seat onto the floor, leave it there. You are clearing taking your attention away from the road and your driving if you lean down to search for an item under the passenger seat or in the backseat. Often when a driver tries to do that, he will not realize that his foot lifts from the brake slightly. Your focus shifting to a lost item can cause you to drift across lanes or into an intersection. Stay focused on driving safely and retrieve the item when you arrive at your destination.Allow Your Pets to RoamFluffy loves the car. He loves watching the cars zoom by and sticking his head out the window. It seems harmless, but allowing your pets to roam free in the car is risky. Animals do not understand that you can not always pay attention to them when they want your attention. Your dog may nudge you repeatedly or your cat may rub against your arms while you are trying to pay attention to the road, not them. Also they do not understand sounds of a car or traffic and can easily get spooked by a revving engine or backfiring car. Animals are unpredictable when they are frightened. They may dart from the backseat to the front seat, across your lap, into your arms or even under your foot which is trying to break or accelerate.A scrambling cat is certain to draw your attention awhile from the road and your driving. Secure your pet in either a traveling carrier or behind a pet net, for their and everyone else's safety.A second of distraction is enough to cause even the safest drivers to miss a potential warning sign on the road. Complete the tasks that do not relate to driving and getting to your destination safely, either before or once you arrive. Keep alert and aware while you are driving and keep yourself, your passengers and everyone on the road safer.
