subject: Three Common Driving Distractions [print this page] We all know the hazards of distracted drivingWe all know the hazards of distracted driving. Weve been warned of the dangers of driving and fiddling with the radio, eating, or putting on makeup. With the boom in hand-held technology this past decade, drivers are faced with even more distractions. In the fast-paced world we live in, drivers use their commuting time to multi-task by texting, checking their email, and surfing the web on their iPhones. The following list analyzes just a few of the many technological distractions you should avoid while behind the wheel.
TEXTING AND DRIVING: Intexticated, is a term becoming more common as many traffic accidents are being attributed to drivers who text message while driving. An obvious play off of the term intoxicated, recent studies are showing that intexticated drivers are a dangerous threat to the roads. According to the Transport Research Laboratory, the reaction time of a drunk driver is 12% slower than that of a sober driver. This pales in comparison to intexticated drivers. According to research, when a person is texting while driving, his or her reaction time is slowed by a staggering 35%, nearly three times worse than a drunk driver. The study also shows that steering control of an intexticated driver is reduced 90%.
iPODS AND DRIVING. Many new car models come equipped with audio hookups for your iPod. This is a great convenience, as drivers are now able to take their entire music collection on the road. However, iPods are difficult to operate, and require drivers to take their eyes off the road. In 2006, General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) conducted a poll that found 20% of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 have selected songs from their iPod while driving. Drivers selecting music from their iPods are much more likely to swerve in an out of their lane or fluctuate their speed intermittently. If you have your iPod in your car, select an album or mix before you begin driving and do not fiddle with the device while youre driving.
GPS DEVICES. The recent technology of in-car navigation systems and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are incredibly helpful when navigating to unknown destinations. They prevent many drivers from getting lost and allow owners to find useful destinations with ease. However, GPS devices have been known to cause serious accidents and can become a distraction to some drivers. GPS directions are not flawless. Studies from the United Kingdom show that one out of three GPS owners have admitted to driving against the flow of traffic at the GPSs direction. Furthermore, GPS owners often make sudden turns or jerky over-corrections if they react late to the GPSs directions. If you are late in realizing your GPS is telling you to turn, do not make a last-minute turn or lane change. Be patient and allow the GPS to recalculate your route. Traffic authorities advise GPS users to treat the devise as a potential form of distraction and to exercise caution when operating the device while driving.
