With today’s modern comforts, it can be very easy to lose focus while driving. Losing this focus – even for just one millisecond – can have dire consequences.
A reaction that is a split-second late can still land people in the hospital, or worse. A late reaction can cause your vehicle to stop a few feet from where you want it to be. In fact, one second late of a reaction time can put your car up to twelve feet over your intended destination.
A Closer Look
Distractions can happen regularly and even long time drivers are not immune to them. With the introduction of smartphones and high speed mobile data, distractions are worse than ever. Social media updates, video streaming, and instant messaging all contribute to the never-ending barrage of reasons to look at phones.
Drivers are no exception to this. In fact, a study revealed that one out of every four automobile accidents in the United States originates with a driver’s eyes on their phones. In the United Kingdom, there has been a reported 2.7 million cases where drivers experienced vehicular incidents due to their phones grabbing their attention. Add this to the fact that texting while driving is illegal in most places. However, this does not seem to stop a majority of drivers globally from checking phones constantly on the road.
Driven to Distraction
For those curious at their response times while driving, one can try out the game called Driven to Distraction by the car servicing company Kwik Fit. In this mobile game, the driver can do tasks while the program checks the reaction time.
The urge to check one’s phone is always present, and people always make excuses for themselves when confronted by this fact. They will claim that the traffic lights are red, or brag about their amazing reflexes honed by years of driving experience. With Driven to Distraction, one can put their excuses to the test to see what the actual toll is for their phone habits.
Staying away from your phones while driving can increase your reaction time to danger immensely. Without the constant distraction (as well as the constant need to check your phones), one can react quickly to unexpected troubles on the road.
The Value of Routine Maintenance
In addition to removing potential distractions from your vehicle, one should also ensure that your car has well-maintained components. Kwik Fit, the makers of the Driven to Distraction game can provide you with the tools to increase safety while driving.
For example, a malfunctioning brake, a few broken light signals, or improperly managed tires can result in serious accidents. The brake in particular can render your reaction time obsolete, since a faulty piece can cause a delayed response. Defective signals can also cause accidents since these lights are your primary source of communication with other drivers. Tire maintenance also plays an important role in preventing vehicular accidents when you are on the road.
Stay safe out there, everyone! And remember to stay away from distractions!
