Distractions can turn the best drivers into immediate hazards. Improving your vigilance can help you protect yourself and the people around you.
Familiarizing yourself with strategies to reduce distraction will help you avoid becoming a part of the problem.
Scan the road
Even though it might seem reasonable to keep your focus solely on the road ahead of you, scanning in wide views from left to right and back again is equally as important. Constantly looking around you may help you recognize things like pedestrians, road debris and merging vehicles. It can also help you notice road signs in enough time to effectively control your movement without speeding or driving erratically.
Ignore notifications
Another way to sharpen your vigilance is to ignore all notifications on your phone. This includes messages about software updates, as well as text messages. If it helps, silence your phone while you drive to prevent the temptation to read or respond to incoming messages. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving caused over 3,000 deaths in 2020. A decision to look away for even a split second could have life-altering effects.
Other ways to improve your vigilance include adjusting your seat properly, participating in a driver safety course and avoiding medications that make you drowsy. Stay alert and turn your music down. Minimize conversation with passengers and always wear your seatbelt. These actions can help you feel more confident when you drive while also increasing your safety and reducing your risks of injury. Paying attention today could mean you continue to live a happy, comfortable life for years to come.
