18 Jun Distracted Driving Heightens
Written by Megan Barrett, Loss Prevention Consultant of SOS Safety Solutions.
As cars on the road become increasingly safer in design, these technological advancements are not enough to offset the dangerous conditions faced by today’s drivers.
Distracted driving has become a heightened area of concern since the advent of smart phones and social media. Complacency with our surroundings while inside a vehicle can numb the sense of danger, speed, and other drivers as motorists traveling the roadways and commuting to work.
It is crucial to be aware of your surroundings, drive defensively, and always be alert.
Commuting to work can become a mundane and monotonous daily task and it is easy to become immune to the dangers around us. Taking alternative routes, switching up listening to podcasts or audio books from music, and driving with your windows down can help alleviate the boredom in a daily commute.
According to the National Safety Council, more than 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes throughout 2017; the three leading causes being alcohol, speeding, and distracted driving.
To prevent these life-threatening accidents from occurring, remember to:
Stay Safe
- Always wear your seat belt
- Do not drive impaired by drugs, alcohol, or extreme drowsiness
- Avoid taking medications that may cause drowsiness
Stay Focused
- Avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, or adjusting the radio or controls while driving
- Constantly scan the roadway while driving to stay alert to changing conditions
- On longer drives, stop and take breaks to walk around and stretch
Keep your Cool
- Avoid aggressive driving; there is a huge difference between driving defensively and driving aggressively!
- Be patient and courteous to other drivers
- Allow plenty of time for commuting and plan for traffic to reduce stress
- Take an alternative, less crowded route during busy drive times if possible
All of these causes are preventable by practicing safe driving habits as a motorist. You, as an employee, are your company’s most valuable asset!
Drive with caution and without distraction to arrive to your destination safely.
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