OK, by now we all know it’s dangerous to text and drive, but there are several other scenarios you may not have considered. Distracted driving is serious stuff, so here’s what you need to know.
According to the National Highway Transportation Association, in 2008, more than almost 20 percent of all crashes in the year involved distracted drivers.
There are actually three types of distracted driving: visual, when you take your eyes off the road; manual, when you take your hands off the wheel; and cognitive, when your mind wanders while driving. Now which of you hasn’t been guilty of at least one, if not all three?
State governments are working fast to address cell phone usage in cars. But there’s little enforcement when it comes to other distractions, like putting on makeup, looking at a GPS device, and dealing with kids in the backseat.
That’s why it’s up to you, the driver, not to get complacent and remember those important rules of the road.
Oh, and as for using your cell phone? There’s a reason it has such a bad rap.
According to one study, talking a cell phone while you drive, even if it’s hands-free, delays your reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08, which is the legal limit in most states.
For more information, visit the Driving & Car Rental archives.
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