Behind the wheel of a vehicle is not the place to multitask. Everyone is probably guilty of engaging in an unsafe activity while driving, but one thoughtless action could cause an accident with the potential to negatively change lives, including your own, forever. If you see yourself in this list, make an effort to change your habits immediately.
- Changing Clothes
When you’re faced with unpredictable weather conditions on the road, it is a good idea to dress in layers for safety and comfort’s sake. However, if you find that you need to add or remove one or more layers of clothing during your trip, you should always pull over first.
- Retrieving Lost Items
Don’t look into your purse, try to pick your cell phone off the floor, or reach into the back seat while driving. Whatever it is, it can wait until you reach your destination.
- Driving While Under the Influence
Everyone knows that drunk driving is illegal and dangerous, but if you’ve only had a few drinks, it can be difficult to gauge whether or not your driving ability has been impaired. If you are charged with driving under the influence, a DUI ticket lawyer can defend you in court. Nevertheless, it’s best to exercise caution and not get behind the wheel at all if you’ve been drinking.
- Using a Cell Phone
Texting and driving is always dangerous and should never be attempted because it occupies your hands and requires you to take your eyes off the road. In some areas, cell phone use of any kind while driving is illegal. Even in areas where it is not illegal, experts advise against talking on a cell phone while driving.
- Rubbernecking
It’s human nature to be curious, but slowing down to look at the scene of an accident is not a good idea because you could impede traffic flow and potentially cause another accident by being distracted. Besides, in the event that someone has been hurt or killed in the accident, is that something you really want to see?
- Eating and Driving
This is a time-saving technique employed by many commuters and long-haul drivers, but it’s not a good idea. Once again, eating while driving occupies one of your hands and could be a distraction. The potential danger is so great that some communities have actually outlawed eating while driving.
- Falling Asleep
Nobody intends to fall asleep behind the wheel, but as with drunk driving, sometimes you don’t realize how tired you really are until you’re already on the road. A particular danger is microsleep: a brief, uncontrollable period of unconsciousness that can last up to 10 seconds which, behind the wheel of a car, can be 9 seconds too many.
- Disciplining Children or Pets
Due to safety concerns, most children riding in vehicles are seated in the backseat. Never turn around to talk to your children while driving. If children are misbehaving or causing a distraction, pull over in a safe area in order to address the situation. For everyone’s safety, pets should be restrained while riding in the car.
- Losing Control of Your Emotions
Road rage is a real phenomenon, and one that can have potentially deadly effects. If you’re in a heightened state of emotion, do not drive, and if something provokes your ire while driving, pull over and calm yourself down.
- Speeding or Overdriving Conditions
Speed limits are in place to save lives, and exceeding them is never a good idea. However, even a speed that is safe during optimal conditions may be too fast when weather conditions limit visibility or hamper tire traction.
While it’s smart to avoid these hazards to the extent possible, even the most conscientious driver sometimes makes mistakes. If you find yourself in need of a speeding ticket lawyer or other legal assistance with regards to traffic, contact The Ticket Clinic at 1-800-248-2846.
