Distracted Driving -DOT Division
Research has shown that driver distraction is the leading factor in most vehicle crashes. One major study found that almost 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved some form of driver inattention within three seconds before the event. Is it any surprise that more and more states, cities, and employer are banning or limiting the use of cell phones,
texting, and other distractions?
Don’t wait for the rules to catch up to you – act NOW to eliminate distractions that prevent you from driving safely.
Seconds Count
The old adage that “seconds count” is certainly true for drivers. If you’re distracted for even a few seconds, you might never see a hazardous situation develop.
Consider this:
· At 65 mph, you’re traveling roughly 95 feet per second and it can take up to 400 feet or more to stop. On wet or snow-covered roads, it can take much longer.
· Stare at your cell phone for two seconds and you’ve traveled almost 200 feet without seeing the road. That’s half your stopping distance!
Remember: The longer it takes you to identify a hazard, the less time you’ll have to react.
Avoid Distractions!
Never look at any one thing for more than a second or two, whether it’s a cell phone, another vehicle, a hamburger, or a map. Rather, use visual scanning techniques to spot hazards quickly.
Use technology sensibly. If possible, wait until you stop to make phone calls, use your laptop, send text messages, etc.
Never reach for a moving object or something that’s out of reach.
Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
Always follow company policies and federal, state and local laws concerning cell phones and similar devices.
Contact us today to learn more about our Distracted Driver Training
Office: (832) 786-881
* Resources used in this Blog: J.J. Keller & Associates Inc.