Like most drivers, you probably live out of your car as you shuttle between work, school and home. Your car is your dressing room, your nightlife on wheels, your restaurant, and at times your quiet space away from it all. People in Austin find themselves in traffic for hours, so finding a distraction from the daily hour long drive to get home is easy.
But, unfortunately, as many drivers discover each year, driving is a task that requires your undivided attention, especially those young or inexperienced drivers. Fact is, drivers between the ages of 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to be involved in car accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety stats still list car crashes as the leading cause of death for teen drivers and attribute this to driver inexperience and immature behavior (i.e. tailgating, speeding, etc.). Throw multitasking in the mix and you're asking for trouble.
The following are driving distractions you may be familiar with and ways you can maintain focus when driving:
1. Cell phone use: Regardless of whether you have a headset, save that phone conversation for later, preferably when you're stopped or, even better, out of the car. Turns out, conversing is a bigger distraction than messing with a phone or headset. But if you just have to take the call, tell the person on the other end that you're on the road and will call them back.
2. Text and go: Texting is one of the best ways to communicate: instant gratification without disturbing others. But typing while you're driving? Horrible idea — you only have two hands, and they're better off on the steering wheel. Save this for when you can safely compose a note. If you can say it in a text, it can wait until you're parked.
3. Playing Radio DJ: There's nothing like driving to your favorite songs. But that split-second you change a CD or switch to a different radio station is just enough time for an accident to occur. To prevent this, invest in a CD changer with your albums of choice at the ready. Program your favorite radio stations into the presets so you don't have to use the "Seek" or "Tune" buttons to scroll through them. If you have an iPod and your car is equipped with an auxiliary input, create a playlist of favorite tunes so you're not scrolling through the menus as you drive.
4. Chatting with friends: Research has shown that young drivers with young passengers tend to have more accidents than those driving alone, Makes sense, since there's nothing like a friend to say something that gets you to take your eyes off the road. And while no one wants to be the car disciplinarian, when you're behind the wheel, it's OK to say, "hush up, I'm driving."
5. Feeling the tunes: We’re all guilty of blasting tunes in the car to accompany singing and super-cool chair-dancing moves. Unfortunately, car karaoke can put you in danger since you can’t hear the horns of other motorists or emergency vehicle siren. Instead, save that earth-pounding bass for your home. Enjoy your in-car tunes at a reasonable level since you need to hear, as well as see while driving.
6. Drive-thru take out: Sometimes you have limited time to enjoy a meal so it's another visit to the drive-thru. But instead of juggling your soda with your fries with your burger, wait until you're parked before you chow down. It's hard to give the road the attention it needs when you're focused on eating.
7. Fidgeting with the knobs: It's only natural to tune-in your situation while on the road, but spend too much time messing with various car controls could be dangerous. If you want to turn down the thermostat, turn on cruise control or hit the re-circulating button while behind the wheel? Also, memorize your control center beforehand so that you can program functions without intently staring at the dash.
8. Primping on the road: You may think you're saving time by putting on makeup or brushing your hair while you drive. But what you could be doing is setting yourself up for a costly lesson in distracted driving. All it takes is a split second while you look in the mirror for a wreck to happen. Simply wait until you get to your destination before you make those final, awe-inspiring appearance adjustments.
9. Road rage: Sometimes a long drive seems to be the right thing to ease your nerves. Actually, it could be the worst thing to do when you're angry. Driving angry is like driving intoxicated. Your judgment is off, you're probably amped up and don't realize your speeding. To prevent an ugly situation, stay away from anything with wheels until are calmed down.
10. Lost in the directions: Reading maps or printed directions with one hand on the wheel is risky business. Instead, map out your location and get an idea of where you're heading before you get in your car. Map sites like Google Maps and MapQuest make getting lost a thing of the past by giving you turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Or, buy a GPS device which gives you verbal commands, reducing your need to view a map or diagram.
Find the most affordable auto insurance in Austin, TX. Contact your local agent, Texas Prime Insurance. We provide auto insurance, home insurance, and commercial insurance. We can be reached at 512-454-7799.