When we get behind the wheel of our vehicles, we should ideally be concentrating on one thing and one thing only – driving. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Distracted driving kills about 3,000 people every year on America’s roads, and each and every one of us has been guilty of it at some point or another. So to help combat this, the pros at Scotty’s Automotive in Montague, NJ, are revealing some of the common causes of distracted driving so you can avoid them.
Your Cell Phone
This is the most significant distraction you’ll find in your car. People are constantly on their phones while driving, leading to thousands of crashes and legislation aimed at stamping out the practice. The best way to avoid using your cell phone while driving is to either keep it in a pocket or toss it in the passenger seat. No text or phone call is worth your life, so keep your phone out of your hands while behind the wheel.
Eating & Drinking
This is a big one too. Everybody has grabbed a quick burger and eaten on the way to a destination, but this is more distracting than you might think. Eating and drinking, and to a lesser degree, smoking, behind the wheel leads to thousands of accidents every year. So when it is time to drive, leave those french fries in the bag til you get home. Yes, they smell good but you can wait – we promise.
Your Car Itself
Modern cars are equipped with all sorts of bells and whistles, from radios and streaming music to GPS systems, screens, cameras, and more. All of this stuff should be left alone while operating the vehicle. A stoplight is a perfect time to adjust the radio or fiddle with the GPS, but while the car is in motion, you should avoid the urge to interact with any of these cool bits and bobs.
At Scotty’s Automotive in Montague, NJ, we want everyone to be safe on the roads. And that safety can only come from concentrated, distraction-free driving. Putting away the cell phone, leaving the take-out alone in its bag, and keeping your hands off the radio are all good practices if you want to avoid a distraction-related accident. Don’t let yourself be another statistic; avoid distractions while driving and you’ll make it to your destination with both you and your vehicle in one piece.
