Shedding focus behind the steering wheel contributes to hundreds of crashes every year. These incidents trigger property harm, damage, and generally loss of life. Driving distractions put car operators, passengers, pedestrians, building employees, and emergency responders in danger.
April is Distracted Driving Consciousness Month, a nationwide marketing campaign to deliver consideration to this severe, pervasive downside. The Illinois Insurance coverage Affiliation and its member firms encourage drivers to reduce distractions each time attainable.
Cell telephones are an apparent distraction, however there are numerous others. Street indicators, billboards, crash scenes, building zones, panorama vistas, and GPS mapping are visible distractions. Handbook distractions embody consuming, ingesting, adjusting controls, reaching for an object, or grooming behind the steering wheel. Any exercise that causes the motive force to lose focus is a cognitive distraction.
Most autos are outfitted with hands-free cellphone know-how nowadays. Nonetheless, this development doesn’t get rid of visible, handbook, and cognitive distractions inherent in cellphone use. Arrange an auto-response to let callers know you can not discuss whereas driving. By no means textual content, e-mail, or document video behind the steering wheel.
As well as, program GPS and alter temperature controls, music choice, and mirrors earlier than leaving dwelling. Set up necessities for the journey forward. Insist that every one passengers put on seat belts. Securely strap youngsters into automobile seats. Crate pets for transportation. Keep away from consuming, ingesting, grooming, and smoking whereas driving.
Your driving habits instantly impression site visitors security. Preserve eyes on the street, palms on the wheel, and concentrate on driving in April — and all year long.
Kevin J. Martin, Government Director, Illinois Insurance coverage Affiliation, Springfield
