Dangerous Distractions Could Cause A Car Accident

By Author: Danny Aaron
Total Articles: 67
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Almost all car accidents are caused by driver distraction. This means that instead of focusing their full attention on the road, they are distracted by something else. There are a wide range of things which can be deemed as being distractions.

Studies have shown that 80% of people eat and drink whilst driving. And no, we're not talking about drinking alcohol, but other beverages. You may think it impossible that eating and drinking whilst driving could give you a higher car insurance premium, but, inadvertently, it can! Far too many people drink hot beverages such as tea, coffee or even soup whilst driving. Going over one bump in the road can send that hot liquid pouring all over you. It would be hard for anyone to continue driving in a calm and responsible fashion with boiling hot coffee or soup all over their lap! Eating something messy or greasy can also be dangerous. This is because you could be distracted by keeping the hamburger or food together, and trying to wipe your greasy hands clean. If your hands get too greasy they could slip off the steering wheel causing you to lose control of the vehicle!

Another ...
... common distraction which can lead to an accident is the car radio. Oftentimes drivers are concentrating on changing the radio station or inserting a new CD, and their attention is then averted from the road. The best thing to do is to wait until you stop to worry about putting some music on. Even better, there are some vehicles which come fitted with features on the steering wheel which will adjust the volume of music, and even change CDs. If your car does not have this feature on the steering wheel, it is better to put in the CD you would like to listen to whilst your vehicle is stopped.

One of the most popularly known distractions on the road are mobile phones. In most countries the use of mobile phones whilst driving has been made illegal. If you are caught driving whilst talking on a cellular phone, you will be subjected to hefty fines. This is for a good reason, as previous studies have shown that talking on cell phones whilst driving is amongst one of the leading causes for road accidents. Unfortunately, the new law only applies to talking on your cellular phone whilst driving, whilst a large number of people still operate their cell phones when driving. Sending a text message when driving is far more dangerous and distracting than actually talking on the phone. This is because your eyes will be averted away from the road whilst you concentrate on reading and typing.

One much debated and joked about distraction is women who apply make up whilst driving. Never underestimate the time it can take to look in the mirror and concentrate on applying eyeliner or lipstick.

There are many things that can distract you whilst on the road. Even the passengers in your vehicle can steal your concentration with conversation or arguments. If you are driving in a foreign town or city, avoid trying to sight-see whilst driving as you will need to focus on the road so that you do not have an accident. Focus solely on the road and the other vehicles around you to drive as safely as possible. Eating, drinking, talking and messaging on your phone and changing your music can all be done whilst the vehicle is stationary. It is better to be patient and safe, than try to multi-task when you should be concentrating on driving safely.
Danny Aaron manages the website for Hollard Pay As You Drive, on http://www.payasyoudrive.co.za, a website devoted to car insurance quotes and insurance information.