With distracted driving increasing across the U.S., Maryland drivers may avoid distracted driving crashes by following a few simple guidelines. Although drivers from all age groups can cause accidents, teenagers cause a large percentage of car wrecks.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving covers a broad category. From using cell phones to grabbing a soda, any activity requiring a driver to stop focusing on road conditions constitutes absentminded driving. Statistics show that distracted drivers take the lives of eight innocent victims each day in the United States.
Talking and driving do not mix
Talking to another person causes inattention at the wheel. It makes no difference if the driver converses with a passenger in the car or if they’re talking on their cellphone. In either situation, the driver gets caught up in the conversation and stops concentrating on other drivers and traffic conditions. Dialing a phone number causes more distractions than talking. Any time that you must divert your attention to your phone, such as to dial a number, change the music or adjust a GPS, pull over.
Driving and meditation bear close resemblances
People who practice meditation know that contemplation requires intense concentration. These practitioners block out all extraneous thoughts. Similarly, drivers should focus on driving and avoid thinking about other issues. Furthermore, pedestrians should avoid talking on their cellphones while crossing busy intersections.
Since driving requires a calm mind, it is never a good idea to drive a vehicle while angry or distracted by other problems. A good driver follows the rules of the road with a tranquil mind focused on the activity of driving. Before turning on your car, take a few deep breaths to clear your mind and prepare yourself for the task at hand. This will also make your drive more pleasant.