Take the First Step To Prevent Someone’s Last

Cars have allowed people to get from point A to point B with ease and swiftness. But we tend to forget how dangerous vehicles can be. It is reinforced to not engage in drinking and driving and to ensure to have a designated driver so that everyone makes it back home safely. But we do not address the dangers of distracted driving, although drinking and driving is indeed an irresponsible act, we underplay the damage that distracting driving can cause, especially in younger people. Distracted driving isn’t limited to texting and driving like it has been ingrained into the norm.

A distraction drivers face is changing the radio because the music no longer interests them or commercials are playing. An easy solution is to connect the driver’s phone to the car system, via aux cord or Bluetooth. Drivers can command their smartphones, via voice command, to skip certain songs on a playlist if they use apps like Spotify. With technology incorporated into cars nowadays, drivers can implement functions like ‘Do not disturb’ or ‘Car Mode’ that newer models have. If a driver needs to make a call, they can command their phone to call their contacts. However, making calls should be limited unless necessary because it creates distractions for the driver.

The seemingly innocent action of checking the GPS can become a distraction to a driver. With navigation apps becoming an essential tool used by many drivers, it isn’t rational to decrease its usage. Drivers can instead place the phone or device used to navigate, higher up in their line vision; however, Google Maps does have a setting allowing it to read out instructions for the driver, thus removing the need to even look at their phones.

Although driving with friends might seem like a fun time, this can cause a dangerous environment. Having a co-driver could help with navigation or taking texts for the driver, thus dealing with the distractions instead. But often we cannot control ourselves and talk with friends while driving, taking our concentration from the road. With social media being a part of many individuals’ lives, friends often could suggest posting or sharing the experience of driving with friends. By taking a quick video or photo with the driver, those few moments take the drivers’ focus on the road, thus allowing an accident an opportunity to happen.

Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as eating, talking to someone alongside the seat, or messing with the car stereo are some common examples of distracted driving. People believe that looking away and focusing on something else, even if momentarily, is justified because of the overconfidence in their abilities. Sadly, many of the culprits of these actions are young drivers, who are novices to controlling a vehicle that is easily 2,000 pounds and can accelerate within seconds. By taking the first steps to ensure safety, it can make a difference in someone’s life.