Top 5 Tips to Stay Focused While Driving

Top 5 Tips to Stay Focused While Driving

Driving might be a common activity for most, but driving also has more to it than meets the eye. Did you know according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,477 lives in 2015? It can be a dangerous activity especially if the driver fails to pay attention to their surroundings.

It is difficult to devote all your attention to the road and others on it if you are being distracted by a variety of external factors. To ensure you are paying attention to your surroundings, exercise the following methods to keep your focus where it belongs: on the road.

  • Secure All Loose Items. Make sure to secure all loose items before setting off on your journey. A common source of distraction is caused by loose items rolling about inside the vehicle as you drive. Ensure you stow all loose items in containers, such as the glove compartment or center console, before you begin driving. Make sure all groceries are tucked away safely in the trunk of the vehicle before setting out on the drive home.
  • Dress and Groom at Home. Make sure you are completely dressed and groomed at home. Some drivers use their commute time to complete their grooming regimen prior to stepping foot into the office/school. This is dangerous because it takes your attention off of the road. Make any grooming corrections once you have pulled over or arrived at your destination.
  • Check and Adjust Mirrors Before Leaving. Adjust and check the visibility of your mirrors before you set out, and if you are sharing your vehicle with a spouse or other driver remember to check for adjustments when entering the driver’s seat. Checking your visibility as you drive can lead to an accident.
  • Avoid Stressful and Emotional Conversations. Try to avoid stressful or emotional conversations while driving to prevent any mental distractions from the road. If a passenger brings up a subject you feel strongly about, wait until you pull over or park to discuss it. Difficult conversations can distract the driver from things that occur on the road.
  • Keep Important Items Close By. Make sure to keep any snacks or toys where your passengers can access them. If you have a passenger that may create a distraction, make sure they have everything they need prior to setting off on a trip.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a distracted driving accident, don’t wait. Contact the John Bales Attorneys today for help.