Arrive Alive

Driving distracted is known to be dangerous yet many people still do it. Anything that takes your focus away from the road can be considered distracted driving. Not only can this be a risk to the driver, but also other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Whether it be checking your phone, driving while impaired, or even driving tired, understanding the risk that you are taking is essential to making someone a safer driver. Know that there are some precautions that you can take before you step into your vehicle that will significantly reduce distractions and optimize focus.

In this period of time where we are glued to our screens, it is almost impossible to go anywhere without your phone. Phones are a great accessory for driving and provide benefits such as navigation, music, and communication all on one device. However, excessive use of it while driving poses a threat to your and others safety. Admittedly, I too have caught myself exchanging glances at my phone when a notification lights up the screen. While it is not something as severe as scrolling through social media or texting someone back, it is still dangerous nonetheless. Every second counts on the road and full attention should be present at all times. Luckily, there are actions which you can take to prevent yourself from looking at your phone. First, you can utilize the driving or do not disturb mode for iPhones where notifications are silenced or limited. However, siri can still read notifications out loud so that you don’t have to look at your phone. Activating do not disturb only takes a few seconds. If you are someone who likes to change the music frequently on a car ride, another action that can be taken is to make designated playlists for car rides. That way, you don’t have to look down to change the music and the music that you already like is predetermined before you take a step into your vehicle.

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of accidents while operating a vehicle. Not only is it illegal but you also jeopardize the lives of many. Being drunk while driving can impair judgment, weaken muscle concentration, and slow down thinking. Every day, about thirty four people die due to drunk driving. All of which were preventable. Being prepared and taking the right measures before going out can make the difference between life and death. First and most importantly, don’t drink and drive. Being sober “enough” is not an excuse for driving after drinking. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment. If you plan on drinking, have a friend who is not drinking to take you home or call an uber or taxi. In addition, if a family member or a friend drank, don’t let them drive home. Neither yourself or anyone else should be driving drunk under any circumstance.

My friend got into an accident after a long day of school, practice, and work. The cause of this accident was drowsiness at the wheel. Luckily, she never sustained any serious injuries but this brought awareness to how serious being tired affects our alertness while driving. There are many factors that can lead us to become tired or drowsy. Falling asleep can be sudden and we may not know until it hits us. We have all accidentally fallen asleep in class, work, or at home longer than we intended to, so the possibility of it happening at the wheel is more common than you think. In the event that you are driving and you fall asleep, you put yourself in a very dangerous situation. There are many circumstances that lead many people to not getting sufficient sleep such as long work days and long commutes, leading them to be tired on the way home. Given the busy lifestyles that most people have today, it is important to get as much sleep as you can. Especially if it is before a long road trip. This is one of the most beneficial ways to bring alertness while driving. In the case that you are feeling tired, a good fifteen to twenty minute nap in a designated rest area will provide your body with the energy needed to make a shorter trip to your destination. While caffeine does help you stay awake, it won’t last for very long. Don’t consistently rely on them as the effects of caffeine may not always be enough to get you through the whole trip.

The risks associated with distracted driving from phone use, impaired driving, or fatigued driving are undeniable. Prevention is the number one thing to do to prevent most car crashes. It is about taking the necessary actions before leaving your house, work, or any function. Whether it be limiting notifications, not drinking when driving, or getting adequate sleep. It is all about planning. Not taking precautionary measures can bring grave consequences and it is upon every driver to bring that responsibility upon themselves. Each person should understand the risks that they are taking while driving impaired or distracted, not only to keep themselves safe but others that they share the road with. Be a better driver and make the road a safe environment for driving.