Some Driving Distractions

Some driving distractions don’t end well. A big price is paid when we are distracted while driving. Some distractions cannot be controlled. Things we can control while driving are texting, drinking and aggression. These are among the worst driving hazards and can lead to serious accidents or even death.

Cell phones have made our lives easier and have changed the world in many ways. They are a very useful means of communication. However, phones can be dangerous in the hands of careless drivers, especially if they are texting, talking or checking emails. Research shows that texting while driving increases your chances of crashing by a factor of 8. There are twenty-four thousand (24,000) injuries and nine hundred ninety-five (995) fatalities

per year from texting and driving.
To avoid texting and driving some drivers have gone hands-free or have automatic replies to let others know they are driving. Some have even done texting pledges.
Another form of distracted driving is drunk driving. Every fifty (50) minutes an American driver dies in an alcoholic related accident, resulting in almost eleven thousand (11,000) deaths per year. To avoid having inebriated drivers on the road some taxi services offer free rides home to intoxicated individuals.
The definition of road rage is reckless driving that sparks disagreements with other drivers. Research shows that accidents from road rage have increased by four hundred percent (400%) since 1990. The California DMV Handbook states ways that drives can avoid road rage situations. Don’t cut other drivers off, drive slowly in the left (fast) lane, tailgate, or make obscene gestures to other drivers. Only use your horn for emergencies. Additional advice is to control your anger, and not take traffic problems personally.
The consequences of all these issues result in sorrow for those involved. There are many ways to prevent a damaging outcome.