Squirrel! That moment in a conversation when your friend gets distracted by someone or something? It usually leads to some laughter before things get back on track. But the moment when a driver gets distracted? That’s no joke. The results of driving distractions can be deadly.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 362,415 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers in 2021; another 3,522 died from their injuries.
Texting while driving is the most common visual distraction, and can easily be eliminated by keeping that phone out of sight until you’re at your destination. But other types of driving distractions — manual, audible and cognitive — can also be prevented. Use these tips from KSL Cars and Keys to Success to stay safe on the road.
Make a list (like Santa Claus)
That jolly bruh knows how helpful having a list is. The overachiever even checks it twice! Follow his lead and make a mental checklist of potential driving distractions, and take care of them before you start your vehicle.
- Secure your backpack, laptop, sports equipment, prom-posal props, whatever so they don’t fly off the seat unexpectedly or roll around
- Make sure your sunnies, toll road card, parking access pass and other items you might need are within reach
- Adjust the temperature and fan controls to a comfortable level for the current driving conditions
- Start your GPS (if needed) and use audio directions so you aren’t glancing down at your phone
- Check the position of your mirrors
- Choose a playlist or radio station and leave it there
Stay audibly aware (ignore the Jazz bear)
Don’t get loud like that sign Bear holds up in the fourth quarter instructs. Even if one of your passengers just dished something juicy, there’s no need to scream and shout. And don’t try to break the decibel meter with the volume of your music, no matter how much you love a certain song. Drivers need to be able to hear emergency vehicle sirens, people honking, the screeching tires of others, etc.
Focus on one thing (like Cyclops)
Without his special glasses or visor, this X-Men character’s attention becomes scattered and he can’t control his optic blast power. Similarly, drivers need to concentrate on controlling their vehicles and focus on the road. Now is not the time to multitask.
- Do not eat/drink while driving (this increases your odds of crashing by 80%, according to the NHTSA)
- Resist the urge to rubberneck when driving past an accident or traffic stop
- Put on makeup or comb your hair before/after your drive
- Enlist the help of passengers to navigate, adjust the radio or make phone calls if needed
Bonus tip: Get an assist to score more safety points
Newer vehicles have safety features that offer technological assistance if a driving distraction makes them lose focus, even for a split second. Channel your inner Santa Claus once more to make a list of must-haves when shopping for a ride of your own. These may include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane assist
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
KSL Cars has roadworthy rides listed for sale in every price range, from bargains under $10,000 that teens can afford right now to supercars that are fun to fantasize about owning in the future.
Use the payment calculator on each vehicle listing to quickly see the estimated monthly cost based on different down payments and rates, then filter your search further by make, model, mileage, body style, etc.
