Eyes on the Road, Hands on the Wheel by Canada Safety Council
Driving is a very demanding task, yet almost all drivers try to do other things while behind the wheel. The Canada Safety Council warns drivers always to give the driving task their top priority.
Ever tried to switch a CD or find a radio station while driving? Ever spilled coffee in the car? Ever been so caught up in a conversation that you missed your turn - or worse, went through a red light? Ever seen other drivers reading the paper, or grooming themselves in the rear view mirror? Almost all of us have either observed or been guilty of multi-tasking behind the wheel.
"Multi-tasking behind the wheel has become very common," comments Canada Safety Council president Emile Therien. "Drivers eat, use laptop computers, talk on the phone, and try to stop their kids from fighting. Any distraction can be dangerous if it takes your attention off the road."
Driving is one of the most demanding tasks we do, says Therien, yet a lot of drivers treat it as a secondary activity. He warns that unless you always give the driving task your top priority, you're bound to have a mishap sooner or later - and it could be a serious one. Driver distraction in its various forms contributes to about nine per cent of serious or fatal crashes.
Our society has to a great extent condoned multitasking while driving. Most vehicles have cup holders. Many also have complex in-vehicle systems for navigation and entertainment. Fast food drive-throughs encourage "dashboard dining." Drivers discipline their kids, argue with passengers, use cell phones and other electronic devices, groom themselves, and even read while on the road. In the 2003 Nerves of Steel study commissioned by TheSteelAlliance and Canada Safety Council, 80 per cent of drivers surveyed admitted to multi-tasking behind the wheel.
The Canada Safety Council offers drivers a few tips to minimize distractions and focus on the driving task:
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Always keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
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Ensure all children are properly buckled up.
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Consume food and beverages when the car is safely stopped.
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Review driving directions before you start.
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Avoid involved conversations with passengers.
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Use a hands-free device with your cell phone, keep conversations short, and never take notes while driving.
Tips on Managing Driver Distractions by Canada Safety Council
Multi-tasking while driving has become commonplace. Drivers eat, drink, read, discipline their kids, use cell phones and even shave or apply make-up on the road. Most drivers, regularly or occasionally, perform personal and work-related tasks while driving.
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Be familiar with the equipment in your car, such as the stereo system and cell phone. This is especially important if you have a new phone or car, or a rental vehicle. Practice before driving so you can perform basic functions without taking your eyes off the road
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Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. If you have a phone, use a hands-free model and keep it in its holder.
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Make sure your children are comfortable and properly buckled up. To keep children from distracting the driver, provide them with safe items they may need for the road trip.
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Pull over to eat or drink. By stopping, you will give yourself a break from the traffic to enjoy your refreshments. Children or adults may choke on food while in the vehicle, causing a severe distraction for the driver.
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Check your route before leaving. If you don't know where you're going, study a road map to avoid unnecessary stress and distractions. Do not attempt to read the road map while driving.
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Do your grooming before leaving. Don't rely on the time in your vehicle to take care of your personal routine such as applying make-up, combing your hair or shaving.
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Do not engage in emotionally charged conversations, either with the passengers or on your mobile phone. Such discussions can result in aggressive or erratic driving behavior.
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Don't take notes while driving. Always find a safe place to stop before writing things down.
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Drive defensively. Be prepared for the unsafe actions of other motorists or for poor driving conditions