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Every day, accidents occur throughout the country due to distracted drivers. While cellphones are often to blame, other factors can contribute to these mishaps, such as a driver’s psychological state. The following story illustrates the extent to which mental distractions can affect an individual’s ability to focus behind the wheel.
Several years ago, my wife and I were under a great deal of stress. We lived in Topeka, Kansas, and the nearest family we had was in Colorado. Most of our family lived on the East Coast in Pennsylvania, so we didn’t have much of a local support system. By August of that year, my wife had already been in the hospital five times due to a medical condition. To make matters worse, our Toyota Corolla had just spent five weeks in the repair shop due to a hit-and-run accident in the parking lot at my wife’s office building. The police failed to locate the driver, so we were required to pay a deductible to have the car fixed.
On top of all these problems, we also had an issue involving our 10-month-old daughter. Several months earlier, we discontinued our childcare arrangement due to concerns about the individual running the facility, and we were having difficulty finding another provider we trusted. I was working and going to school full time, while my wife was working full time and going to school part time. With no childcare, we were forced to schedule our work and school agendas around our daughter so one of us was there for her at all times.
All these concerns were running through my mind when I left the house one morning to pick up my aunt and uncle, who were visiting from out of town. As I drove my SUV along a route I traveled at least five times a day, my mind drifted from one issue to another. Feeling overwhelmed, I failed to notice the red traffic light at the intersection ahead. The next thing I knew, I heard the squealing breaks of a mail truck and noticed it swerving away in my peripheral vision. The mail truck did not strike my vehicle; however, a car traveling from the opposite direction clipped my left-rear bumper. I felt my SUV shift and immediately tried to regain control of the situation.
Fortunately, I was able to prevent my vehicle from overturning or running off the road. Once I safely pulled onto the road shoulder, I put on my hazard lights and exited my vehicle to ensure the other driver was unharmed. We exchanged information for insurance purposes and examined both vehicles. There was minimal damage to my SUV, but the other driver’s front grille was smashed. Overall, the accident cost me about $1,200, a pittance compared to what could have happened. To this day, I consider myself lucky that I did not kill myself or anyone else.
Life’s distractions contribute to many accidents similar to mine. A person’s state of mind while behind the wheel can lead to a decreased amount of concentration, as well as slower reaction time. The chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident are high. Even if you are fully focused on driving, other motorists may be engaging in risky behavior. Here are some tips to consider when behind the wheel to keep yourself and others on the road as safe as possible.
Pay attention
According to Robert Schaller, RoadTrip America’s contributing expert on defensive driving, one of the most quoted statistics involving car accidents is that most of them occur within a few miles of an individual’s home. This is true, in part because the individual feels comfortable with the roads close to their residence; therefore, they pay less attention to the road, traffic signals, bicyclists and pedestrians. Instead, drivers become distracted by daydreaming or other tasks involving the radio or their phones. This causes motorists to take their eyes off the road for a few seconds, creating a higher probability of causing an accident.
Use caution at intersections
Schaller also explains that intersections, as seen in my example, are one of the most dangerous areas for drivers. Statistics show that more than 80 percent of all city accidents occur at a controlled intersection at an average speed of 50 mph. (A controlled intersection is defined as one in which a traffic signal is located). Using proper driving procedures at intersections, as well as being aware of the actions of other drivers, is necessary at all times.
Stop at red lights
My story provides an excellent example of how daydreaming can affect an individual’s ability to comprehend basic driving skills. As motorists, we learn very early that a red light means to come to a complete stop, while you are to proceed through an intersection when the light is green. Although I was well aware of this procedure, my mind still did not register that the light was red due to several mental distractions, leading me to go through it. This is not uncommon among drivers and contributes to many traffic accidents or near misses.
Another reason drivers run red lights is because they are impatient. Many people recognize the red and green traffic lights; however, they ignore the importance of yielding at a yellow light. Yellow lights are designed to warn drivers that the light is about to change to red so they have an adequate amount of time to slow down and come to a complete stop. Instead, drivers are often in too much of a hurry and tend to speed up to make it through the yellow light. This sometimes leads to collisions because drivers misjudge the amount of time they have before the light changes.
Look ahead and avoid animals
In my example, the actual accident only physically involved two cars and no injuries, but it had the potential to be much worse. If the postal carrier was not paying close attention to my driving, I could have been sandwiched between the mail truck and the car that hit me. The postal carrier was focused on the road ahead and the activity taking place, so he had enough time to brake and swerve. All drivers need to be aware of what is taking place farther down the road.
Other drivers are only one hazard. Even on a road clear of other motorists, the possibility of encountering animals, such as dogs, cats, squirrels or deer, is high. On windy days, it is also possible to run into trashcans or other objects that are blown into the street. While it is important to be prepared for sudden hazards that pop up at the last moment, it is also necessary to consider problems that are preventable by just looking ahead.
Utilize a second driver or make a rest stop
If you feel tired or distracted and are traveling with another person possessing a license, do not hesitate to ask them to take over until you feel more focused. Most of the time, your passenger will be more than willing to take the responsibility of driving, and you will immediately be placed in a safer situation. If your passenger is unwilling to drive or you are traveling alone, take the time to stop at a rest area or hotel. It is more important to arrive alive at your destination than to drive impaired, whether it is because of lack of sleep, concentration or other factors affecting your ability to focus.
Always wear your seat belt
Drivers and passengers alike often come up with many reasons why they do not wear a seat belt, despite the fact that it is the law in nearly every state. Many claim seat belts are uncomfortable and restrict movement, while others simply choose not to wear them to avoid performing an extra task after getting into the vehicle. This is the worst decision an individual can make in a vehicle. The time that it takes to fasten a seat belt is minimal, and those who see it as an inconvenience are not putting their safety first.
The military requires all motorists to wear seat belts appropriately while they are traveling in vehicles on and off installations. Military police and gate guards often conduct seat belt checks to ensure everyone riding in a vehicle is buckled up. Many states also enforce “Click it or Ticket” laws that have harsh consequences for individuals who do not take this extra step concerning their safety. Despite the efforts made by law enforcement, all too often Soldiers and civilians continue to choose not to fasten their seat belts and place themselves in great danger.
Many argue that they should be allowed to ride in or operate a motor vehicle without wearing a seat belt because it does not harm anyone else. Unfortunately, this is not realistic. Individuals who witness a person being thrown from a vehicle are likely to experience life-changing or severe trauma. Although they may not be physically harmed, their mental state is undoubtedly changed, especially if the individual thrown from the vehicle is killed or permanently disabled from the crash.
Conclusion
Remember that the choices you make while behind the wheel are important, not only for your safety, but for the safety of others. Practicing safe driving at all times is critical to maintaining a safe driving record free of accidents. Although you cannot control what other drivers do behind the wheel, there are certain things you can do to avoid accidents. Always be cautious, considerate and conscious while traveling, or you could become a statistic. The military offers excellent driver’s training courses to all Soldiers. For more information on these courses, as well as testing dates and locations, contact your installation safety management office.
FYI
Thousands of people are killed and hundreds of thousands more are seriously injured in distracted driving crashes each year. During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which is observed each April, get free National Safety Council resources to limit these risks and help create safer roads for all. Visit https://www.nsc.org/road/distracted-driving-awareness-month to learn more.