Distracted driving has become the number one cause of death on our roads, surpassing impaired driving.
Distracted driving is the act of driving while engaging in activities which diverts the driver’s attention from the primary task of driving.
The top three distractions are mechanical (removing your hands from the wheel to eat, hold a cell phone, etc.), visual (taking your eyes off the road to check GPS, look for something in the car, etc.) and cognitive (talking to passengers, daydreaming, etc.).
When drivers are engaged in a conversation on a cell phone, they are four times more likely to be involved in a collision. When drivers are texting and driving, they are 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision.
The consequence for a driver’s first conviction of distracted driving, include a $615 fine, three demerit points and a 3-day licence suspension. If a driver is convicted a second time. they face a $615 fine, six demerit points and a 7-day licence suspension.
Here are some tips to increase your concentration while driving:
- Create a pre-driving ritual – perform a circle check of your vehicle, secure objects, engage ‘do not disturb’ on phone, enter destination into GPS, put seatbelt on, start vehicle, check gages and warning lights, set climate control and choose playlist or radio before departure.
- Focus on the driving task – look well ahead, keep eyes moving, leave space, see and be seen, do not multitask, and stay focused.
Arrive home safely at the end of the day and enjoy time with family and friends.