“You are aware of that AllState commercial that says talking on the cell phone doubles your chances of being in a wreck, right?” I asked my daughter as she drove, cell phone in hand, her attention divided.
“Oh, Mom! I'm texting not talking. I can text and watch the road!” She smiled. “And besides, that's a COMMERCIAL! They have to say things like that to sell insurance.”
Hmm … she had a point. Commercials exist primarily to sell a product. So I checked out the top ten driving distractions. They are as follow.
Rubbernecking
I guess we've all been guilty of this one … paying more attention to an accident than we are paying to driving. This can lead to more accidents, which leads to more rubbernecking, which can lead to … Well, you get the idea. Keep your attention on traffic, and find out about the wreck in the newspaper.
Okay, I thought. But I'll bet cell phone use while driving is next …
Fatigue
Nope. The number two most distracting thing for drivers is fatigue. It's easy to get tired while driving, and always seems hard to decide to pull over and take a quick nap. But this hazard can be deadly. Dozing off at the wheel can lead to disaster, for you or for another. Even getting out of the car to walk around a park or grab a cold drink can help. Never be hesitant to stop for a rest. Our destination isn't going anywhere.
Looking at Scenery or Landmarks
The third most common reason for distractions among drivers is looking at scenery or landmarks (which is still not cell phone use). Admittedly, there are beautiful things to see, especially in the spring. But it only takes a couple of seconds for everything in front of your car to change drastically, and if you're not watching, you may miss it (or hit it, as the case may be). Roadside stops and parks are there for a reason. Take advantage of them.
In-Car Distraction
Fourth on the list is becoming distracted due to passengers or a child. Everyone knows kids get tired quickly in the car. It's important (especially on long days) to provide a distraction for them, so they don't become a distraction for us. Remind kids (and adults, if needed) that drivers need to focus on driving.
Music Changing
“Oh, look.” The apple of my eye read over my shoulder. “Number five is getting distracted while you change your music.” (Yep, we'd reached number five, and my daughter was looking more and more smug. Not a cell phone in sight.)
“Hmm …” I said. “Guess next time the news comes on in the car, we sit through it. You might actually learn a thing or two about the world.”
She nodded. “One of those "horrible rap songs", too. You might actually learn a thing or two about our culture.”
Cell Phones
I did feel a slight pulse of victory when I finally saw the words "dell phone" appear on the list. I pointed t out, but its poor ranking at number six didn't exactly impress my twenty-year-old. I read aloud the line that said "talking on the cell phone while driving is illegal in some states". “Must mean it's pretty dangerous,” I added.
She didn't respond.
Taking Eyes off the Road
We finished reading the list together, although I must admit it seemed a little anticlimactic. The seventh most distracting thing drivers can do while driving is take their eyes off the road. I did wonder what else there was to be looking at, if not an accident or scenery (numbers one and three).
“Joggers, kids playing at the park, cute guys …”
“Then you do that one, too,” I teased. “Especially the cute guys.”
Daydreaming, Eating/Drinking, Adjusting Vehicle Controls
The list finished out with daydreaming, eating or drinking, and adjusting vehicle controls, ranking eight, nine and ten.
“Drinking is on there?” my offspring asked, surprised.
I nodded.
“Wow,” she said. “I didn't know eating in the car could cause a problem. Guess I'll have to cut that out.”
I looked up at her, amazed. “Eating is number eight!” I stuttered. “Cell phones are number six! Are you seriously telling me that you're going to stop eating but keep talking on your phone?”
She smiled as she walked out of the room. “You're right,” she commented as she left. “Guess I'll keep doing both.”
Before I could think of a response she paused. “But, Mom,” she said, the tease and play gone from her tone, “I'll be more careful, I promise. Thanks for showing me that list.” And then she was gone, off to eat, drive, and talk on the cell phone.
Kids!
