You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.
Every day nine people die and more than 1,000 are injured due to distracted driving. Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system, or driving drowsy.
The following are a few ways to help avoid driving distractions:
- Don’t drive drowsy: Drive during normal hours, take breaks every two hours or 100 miles, drive with an alert passenger and take turns driving, and stay away from medications that cause drowsiness while driving.
- Cellphone distracted driving takes a motorist’s eyes, hands and mind away from the road and steering wheel. Texting while driving is the leading cause of death in teens. It is never acceptable to send text messages when operating a motor vehicle.
- Don’t attempt to retrieve items such as cell phone or wallet while driving. Remember always wear your seatbelt, drive sober and drug-free.
- Expect the unexpected while driving. Plan ahead on a trip, build time into the trip for food, rest breaks, and check in phone calls. Make sure luggage is secure to prevent shifting while driving.
- Regular vehicle maintenance such as checking tire pressure and tread, lights, brakes, wipers and washer fluid can also prevent potential distractions.
- Observe work zone speed limits! Remember that not everyone on the road who wants to go home to their families is in a vehicle!
Midwest Region Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund wants everyone to know that safety is extremely important to you and others on all jobsites.
Resources:
National Safety Council