Common bad driving habits that are unsafe even lethal

Common bad driving habits that are unsafe even lethal

Unsafe habits and distracted driving are responsible for thousands of crashes, property damage, injuries and deaths each year. Many of these could easily be avoided by more alert driving practices.

Fewer crashes mean fewer fatalities. Also means lower costs, including lower overall insurance premiums. And poorly trained, drowsy or distracted drivers cause costly vehicle repairs, extensive emotional distress and expensive lawsuits.

Studies show that those who slept six or fewer hours per night were more likely to fall asleep while driving.

How can you ensure your drivers are alert and practicing safe driving habits while on the road? Here are some easy tips to help keep drivers alert behind the wheel:

 

 

Don’t get distracted

For many drivers, vehicles act as mobile offices that enable them to work more efficiently while on the go. But this modern convenience comes at a steep price. Studies show that distracted driving contributes to 16% of all fatal crashes.

Distracted driving is a major problem for today’s drivers, made worse by in-dash navigation and other infotainment systems. These technologies take drivers’ attention off the road for dangerous amounts of time. Don’t try to multitask from behind the wheel. If you need to set a destination in your GPS or charge you phone, pull off to the side of the road.

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Put down the phone

Sending texts and talking on the phone — even voice-activated text and hands-free calls — aren't safe and can cause drivers to become mentally distracted, missing up to half of what is around them. There is no safe way to use a cell phone and drive.

Talking on the phone, texting and engaging with social media while driving isn’t just dangerous, it’s also illegal. So is snapping selfies from behind the wheel, and engaging with other handheld devices and hands-free interactions. Including trying to record videos of other 'dangerous' drivers or your speedometer on your smartphone.

 

 

Keep your eyes moving

Well-trained drivers have the discipline to “tune out” distractions inside the vehicle and concentrate on the road. It’s important to always stay focused and shift your eyes every two seconds to scan the roadway. You should also check your mirrors every five to eight seconds.

Consistent eye movement prevents the body from entering a “trance” state and keeps drivers more aware of their surroundings, so they can remain alert and acutely aware of the movements of other drivers. 

 

 

Don’t drive sleepy

Before driving on the job — or on your personal time — make sure you have had plenty of sleep. On average, a full night of sleep for adults is between seven and nine hours. If you didn’t get enough sleep the night before, take a nap. It’s always better to pull off the road and take a quick nap to boost your energy than it is to stay on the road, driving drowsy. Another way to wake up is to exercise. Take a quick walk around the parking lot or neighborhood before you get behind the wheel and buckle up.

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Don’t get too comfortable

When it’s cold outside, it is tempting to crank up the heat inside your vehicle. But driving with too much heat on inside your vehicle can cause you to get drowsy. A warm and cozy vehicle may be too comfortable to be safe.

To stay alert, keep the temperature inside your vehicle cooler. Fresh air can also help keep you awake and alert. Don’t be afraid to roll down the windows to get some air and oxygen circulating. It’s good for you!

 

 

Watch what you eat and drink

Obviously, drivers should never drink alcohol before getting behind the wheel, but there are other things to avoid as well. Stay away from junk food and too much caffeine at once, which can cause sugar levels to spike and then crash shortly thereafter, causing drowsiness.

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A better choice is water — staying hydrated leads to increased energy levels — and small, healthy meals. Eat too much before setting out on the road is not a good idea.

 

Alert driving improves driver productivity and saves lives. 

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