“Distracted Family Driving Plan”

Whether a person is driving or riding in a vehicle it is essential that everyone has a seat belt on and the driver is not distracted. How would it feel if the driver wasn’t focused on the road at all times? The passengers would not feel safe. Many families have found ways to stay alert and avoid distractions while on the road. A “Distracted Driving Family Plan” works to minimize or eliminate possible distractions.

Leaving early would take away the distraction of needing to be somewhere on time. If someone is running late, they aren’t thinking about anything other than making it to their destination by a certain time. Running late causes a lot of drivers to speed. They are not focused on going the speed limit or what other cars are doing, their main concern is themselves. Leaving early will allow the driver to obey all traffic laws while arriving to their destination at a decent time.

Cell phones will be put in the center console with the ringer muted so no noises or flashes could get the drivers attention. Everyone in the car must do this until they have reached their destination. Not having cell phones in sight will allow the driver to stay focused on the road.  According to https://ankinlaw.com/odds-of-crash/ , “Car insurance industry estimates show that the average driver will file a claim for a car accident about once every 17.9 years. That’s if the person is an average driver who obeys traffic laws and exercises good driving habits.” By having the passengers put their phones in the center console, it will remove the possibility of an accident from an abrupt shout of laughter or a loud gasp, which could startle the driver. With all cell phones put away, the trip will be undisturbed.

Another way to ensure safe driving is to not have the radio blaring. Loud noises can affect how well the driver can concentrate. “Listening to very loud music can be distracting. If the noise in a car is too loud, it may stop you from hearing other things such as traffic approaching” https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1457925/Booming-car-stereos-arent-just-infuriating-theyre-dangerous.html . The best way to accomplish this would be to turn the radio down or off which will enable the driver to better hear their surroundings. Passengers in the backseat are open to listening to music on an electronic device that only allows music and with headphones in. This device will be put away after choosing a playlist. The passenger next to the driver should not do this in case they see something that the driver does not, this way they will easily be able to warn the driver without having to shout over loud music or pull off headphones before addressing the issue.

 Eating inside a restaurant or pulling over somewhere to eat is another precaution to take instead of eating inside the car. Eating food inside the car while in traffic could cause a major distraction because food is being passed around and the driver wouldn’t have both hands on the wheel, which could lead to an accident. Eating inside the restaurant would be the best option when going out to eat because no one would be in the car where the driver and passengers would all be multitasking. Pulling over to eat would be safer than eating while the car is in motion because there’s a much lower chance of an accident occurring since the car is parked and turned off.

Getting adequate rest is essential when preparing to operate a vehicle. Drowsiness behind the wheel is extremely dangerous because the driver is putting themselves and other drivers at risk. “Drowsiness makes drivers less able to pay attention to the road, slows reaction time if the driver has to brake or steer suddenly, and it affects a driver’s ability to make good decisions.” https://www.cdc.gov/features/dsdrowsydriving/index.html . Two ways to prevent drowsiness while driving would be to develop a sleep schedule and to avoid consuming alcohol or taking medications that could cause drowsiness. Getting enough sleep will decrease the chance of an accident occurring.

There is an unlimited number of ways that factor into safe driving and avoiding distractions. Ways like leaving early, putting cell phones away, turning the radio off,  not eating while driving, and getting adequate rest are a few that has been established and proved to decrease distractions while in traffic. It is essential that every family has their own “Distracted Driving Family Plan” in order to guarantee safe driving. If followed correctly, vehicle accidents will begin to decrease because drivers as well as passengers will be more aware of their surroundings which will create a safer environment for everyone in the car. Enabling a “Distracted Driving Family Plan” will work to minimize or eliminate possible distractions.

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