Driving Disease

Anindita
Kundu

It
can all start from a simple bubble of thought. There are many common
distracted driving habits such as trying to change the song,
answering a phone call, or even looking at the passenger in the seat
next to or behind you. I am aware of all of the common actions that
lead to distracted driving including drinking, and using controlled
or uncontrolled substances. Since I am not a drinker or user of
uncontrolled substances I do not have to worry about those
distractions. I am careful about the other common actions that lead
to distracted driving and avoid those situations.

For
me, I believe the most common distracted driving habit is, is zoning
out. In my case zoning out is the worst habit because you get so lost
in your thoughts that you forget about your surroundings. There have
been times where I have sped through a yellow light or abruptly
stopped at a red light or stop sign because of how lost I was in the
real world. This zoning out happens spontaneously and can occur
whenever and wherever.

There
are a few possible ways to stop zoning out while driving, but those
can result in the other distracted driving habits. Listening to music
can keep a flow and concentration on the road in front of you. The
best thing to do is to create a driving playlist with all your
favorite songs before getting in the car.

I
have noticed that I rarely zone out on narrow streets or roads. I do
not zone out on roads that are hilly or roads with significant
curves. I am definitely much more likely to zone out on wide,
straight and flat streets and roads. Unfortunately, those streets and
roads are frequently roads that allow higher speeds. I am also much
more likely to zone out when traffic is light. I do not zone out in
heavy rain, in snow or when driving on icey roads.

So,
the question is how can I modify my behavior to stay focused on the
road in the areas where I am most likely to lose focus. How do I keep
my mind from wandering off in those areas?

The
first thing I have done as a result of writing this essay is made
myself aware of the locations and situations where I am most likely
to lose focus. There are things I can do to reduce the chance of
zoning out. 1. Continually shift my focus between the road 200 to 300
feet ahead and the road as far as I can see ahead. 2. Continue to
quickly check my mirrors. 3. Watch my speed and make a conscious
effort to quickly read all road signs.

In
other words, stay focused on driving and all of the things necessary
to stay alert to road conditions.