You already know that texting and driving is a dangerous contributor to crash statistics everywhere. What you might not realize is that there are other common factors that can impact your driving to a similar degree.
Most people believe that they can safely multitask behind the wheel as long as their eyes remain on the road. However, any action that lessens your attention to driving can be a factor leading to a serious auto accident.
1. Advertisements
When you glance at a billboard or tube dancer off to the side, you probably think you can still see enough of the road in your peripheral vision. In actuality, these types of visual distractions can steal enough of your attention for a split second for a devasting crash to occur.
2. Eating
You probably do not consider eating to be a distracting task. After all, it comes as naturally as breathing. Keep in mind that holding a burger or grabbing a french fry means that you are taking at least one hand off the steering wheel.
3. Daydreaming
Statistics show that daydreaming is a factor in as many as 62% of distracted driving accidents. Being lost in thought, singing and even conversing are all examples of cognitive distractions that take your mind away from the task at hand.
Next time you hop in your car, remember how every possible distraction can be a factor in a potential accident. Inattentiveness is a dangerous thing to play with when you know that a car crash can cause life-changing injuries to yourself and others.