Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous issues seen on the roads today. Any non-driving activity that takes your mind off the road and what you’re doing puts you at risk of being involved in a serious collision.
Despite the fact that people know that driving while distracted is dangerous, many still do it. Why? There are many different reasons ranging from getting distracted by what’s happening on the road to being distracted by passengers in the vehicle.
Why do people text and drive?
Trying to understand why people text and drive when they know it’s dangerous can be tough, but there is some science to help explain. Texting actually gets people “high,” as they respond to friends or family. According to one study, posting on social media or texting may release small amounts of dopamine, giving the individual a kind of chemical reward for completing the activity. This overrides their better judgment and may lead to a collision as a result.
Another reason that people don’t put down their devices is because they overestimate what they’re capable of handling without making mistakes. Many drivers believe that they can multitask, but the reality is that only around 2.5% of the population actually has the ability to do so. A false sense of confidence, therefore, may result in a crash.
What can you do to help yourself stop driving while distracted?
If you want to stop driving while distracted, you can take steps to regulate yourself. Many applications have been created to stop people from texting and driving, so you can add one of those to your phone. You can also lock your phone in the passenger-side glovebox or leave in the trunk or back seat, so it’s too far away to use.
If you need to use your GPS or radio, set your route and station before you start driving. Talk to passengers about being polite and quiet in the vehicle, too, so you don’t get distracted by conversations or arguments.
In the end, it takes time and effort to reduce distractions, but you could help save a life if you can do it.