I came across an interesting article done by the researchers at University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center and funded by the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety. Video cameras were installed to see what drivers actually do.
We were taught to focus on the road 100% at all times, this is what they saw drivers doing:
* 97.1% were reaching for something or leaning away from the steering wheel
* 91.4% were adjusting the radio or radio controls.
* 71.4% were eating and / or drinking
* 77.1% were carrying on conversations
* 45.7% were grooming
* 44.4% were paying attention to a passenger
* 40% were reading or writing
* 30% were using a cell phone
Try not to reach for you appointment books or something you have dropped. Wait for a safe time to search for your things. Whatever it is, you have to be discipline to do this. Conversations are fine, but remember to excuse yourself a while when you are getting on to a busy highway or when the road is merging. Ladies, if you are rushing and have brought along your powder or foundation to groom yourself, please stop that. Besides that, cosmetics will deteriorate in the heat. Talking on the cell phone even if you have your hands free kit on may be distracting. Fumbling with the wires of the hands free kit will be hassle too. We all have the need to be entertained behind the wheel; please remember to change your CD or radio station at a complete stop. Yes, this means even if you do not like the radio station, bear with the song till your next safe stop. Alternatively, if you have someone besides, ask them to help you with the radio. Plan ahead at all times so you don't have to scrounge through your purse or the ash tray for change. I suggest using coin holders, where you know which compartment are for a quarter or a dollar.
Limit eating. Believe me; you can choke even if you eat sweets!
Drive with 100% attention please.
More Car related issue here William's automotive blog .
