As many of us recommence driving to work following sustained periods of lockdown or work from home policies, it’s more important than ever to focus on our driving and avoid distractions.
Everyone gets distracted sometimes, that’s just part of life. But getting distracted while driving can be extremely dangerous for you, your passengers and others outside your vehicle. For example:
If you become distracted for only 2 seconds whilst driving at 60km/hr you will have driven 33 metres without your eyes on the road. Now that’s an alarming amount of distance to have travelled blindly…
Source: Government of WA – Road Safety Commission.
https://www.rsc.wa.gov.au/Campaigns/Know-the-distance-of-distraction
There are four types of distractions to be aware of:
- Manual Distraction: When at least one of your hands leaves the wheel to use something
- Visual Distraction: When you look away from the road
- Cognitive Distraction: When your brain is pre-occupied thinking about something other than driving
- Auditory Distraction: When you find yourself focused on listening to something not associated with driving the vehicle
Here are some tips on how to avoid distractions:
- Focus on driving – do not do any other activities whilst driving. For example, fixing your hair or adjusting your tie
- Don’t eat or drink – stop for a break if you get hungry or thirsty
- Keep both your hands on the steering wheel
- Keep your hands off your mobile phone:
- Turn your phone off before driving
- If you need your phone on, connect your phone to your cars Bluetooth before you start driving
- Don’t touch or use your phone whilst driving
- Set your GPS before you start driving
- Adjust your mirrors and radio before you start your journey
- Keep your eyes on the road at all times – sometimes this may be difficult when we see billboards or other distractions outside, but it is so important to stay focused on the road
- If you’re tired, pull over and take a break
- Ensure your pet/s are restrained properly in the vehicle
- Ask your passengers to be quiet if you can’t concentrate
Don’t be caught out by a car accident
With so many people on the roads it can be difficult to avoid a car accident, because other people can cause car accidents too. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where you’re involved in a car accident it can be difficult to remember what information you need to exchange with the other party.
Don’t be stuck without a car after a car accident
If you are not at-fault in a car accident you may be eligible for an accident loan car whilst your car is repaired with the rental costs of the loan car covered by the at-fault party’s insurer. Best of all, Right2Drive can deliver the car to you.
So don’t be left stranded without a car whilst yours is repaired. Apply for an accident loan car today and our team will be in touch with you to discuss your application.
