Distracted Driving, the Trap we all fall into

Distracted drivers are ones that not only think of themselves but also could hurt or kill others without thinking about it. Thousands of Americans are affected by distracted drivers every day. “660,000 drivers use their cell phones while driving resulting in more than 400,000 deaths and injuries each year,” according to studies. However, talking about “distracted drivers” seems to put them in their own category as if we don’t all do it or become distracted while we’re driving. With our world, and all the distractions in it, it would be uncommon for you to not be distracted while driving, and we all do it. The question is, how to find common ground on managing the distractions we face every day. This way, we can finally start to limit the number of distracted drivers.

Before finding solutions on how to become less distracted, it’s important to understand all of the distractions in order to know how to avoid them. There are three types of distractions that people get caught up in while driving, myself included. The first being physical, whether it’s texting, calling, figuring out the GPS, or trying to eat after not having enough time on your way to work. There are also mental distractions, such as stress, conversations in the background, or being in a new area. Lastly, there are visual and auditory distractions, such as music, an accident or something outside your window, or reading the GPS. All are present, and can happen to us every day we get behind the wheel. However, understanding these distractions can find solutions as to how to avoid them.

As far as distractions go, it is also important to understand the consequences that can occur as a result of distracted driving to enhance its importance. Some occurrences include car accidents and fatalities with specific scenarios being as dangerous as driving under the influence. By being distracted in such a manner listed above, it can reduce reactivity, observing objects, and controlling the vehicle. There can be other charges, penalties, and insurance consequences that come with distracted driving however all can be avoided in the right mind of doing so. With understanding distracted driving and how it can be managed, it may be more easily understood under a personal example.

I myself struggle the most with the physical distractions. Whether it be changing the music, texting my Mom back quickly, or even trying to change which direction the air is blowing at me. As hard as it is to admit, it is a problem, and I note that each time I do it. Not only do I feel like I am putting myself in danger, but I think it is important to understand how much danger you are putting other people in as well. Not only how much their families and friends will be affected if something does happen to that individual. So when it comes to understanding the problem, I do, and that is always the first step which makes the solution that much easier. After being able to identify that you, yourself is a distracted driver or someone you are around is one, this is the best way to start to find ways to stop doing it and putting people in danger.

In order to find a solution, it’s important to make small goals or steps in order to stop. Every time that I notice myself becoming distracted with my phone or something in my car, I am going to stop and think about who I am affecting. Number one, myself, along with whoever is around me. Number two, my family and friends along with whoever is associated with whomever I am affecting. Next, I am going to consider if whatever I am doing (changing the song, rolling down the windows) is worth the accident or getting injured and/or killed because if it’s not, then I shouldn’t be prioritizing that over my driving and putting myself and others in potential danger. This way, I know the consequences and the ways I can avoid the problem that shouldn’t have started in the first place.

Distracted driving happens to all of us. It shouldn’t be, but it is. In order to make it stop, we all need to be making the effort to find ways to make ourselves less distracted because the world will only become more distracted. Next time that you find yourself being distracted, or those you are in the car with are being distracted while they are driving, ask yourself: Does the distraction take precedence over someone’s life? Think about how much you are in control and can prevent something traumatic from happening every time you sit behind the wheel.