Driving
Distractions and the "Big Picture"
As a driver, you have a responsibility to your passengers
and to yourself to concentrate all of your attention
on the "big picture" of what is happening
around your vehicle while you are driving. Distractions
can steal part or all of this big picture. If you turn
your head in conversation with a passenger, open up
a beverage, or look around for something on the seat
next to you, the results can be disastrous.
These distractions, coupled with your surroundings
inside the car – including passengers, door posts, roof
supports, or packages piled on a rear seat – all conspire
to limit your field of vision.
Mental distractions, whether you are rehearsing a speech,
planning your day, or dozing at the wheel, force you
to "tune out" what is happening around you
in traffic and tune you into trouble.
You won’t simply have lost the big picture of
your surroundings – you may have lost your life.
If it is important for you to discuss something with
a passenger or on the phone, park your car and then
talk. Don't turn your head or get caught up in conversation
and risk losing your traffic picture.
Unrestrained children, pets, and even the radio will
distract you while driving – driving is a full-time
job.
When you use hand-held computer, laptop, or watch a DVD, not only are you engaged in something other than driving, but your eyes are not on the road either. Don't even consider it. According to CVC 27602, a person may drive a motor vehicle with a television receiver, video monitor, television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal, only if the equipment is designed, operated, and configured in a manner that prevents the driver of the motor vehicle from viewing the television broadcast or video signal while operating the vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner.
It is always against the law for automobile drivers
to wear headphones or earplugs while driving.
We have all heard of people who were "driving
too fast for conditions." This simply means that
the weather or road conditions or the condition of the
vehicle or driver demanded a slower speed for safety
reasons.
In most cases, it is really "perception too poor
for the conditions" that causes more accidents
than speed alone. Poor visibility or distractions that
have shrunk your view of the "big picture" call for you to reduce your speed or stop the car.
Never concentrate too long on any one part of the picture,
a fixed stare will cancel out your ability to see the "big picture".
If drivers or pedestrians are preoccupied or distracted,
they can be totally unaware of your presence. It is
up to you to see them and alert them so that they see
you. But do not blast your horn as a last minute warning.
This might only frighten them into an accident. Instead,
use an early gentle tap of the horn, or flick your lights
to get their attention and make certain, by eye contact,
that the person sees you.
Scene of an Accident One of the more dangerous outside distractions is an
accident that has already happened. "Rubber necking," or gawking, is a dangerous problem that we all have
witnessed. When police officers arrive at the scene of an accident,
after they have determined if someone is injured and
helped them, they will work to quickly clear the accident
and direct traffic safely around it. If you are the
first person at an accident scene, you must stop after
you pass the accident and determine if your assistance
is needed. Accidents and Your Condition Your personality, your mental condition, and your physical
condition all affect the way you drive. Never let your
emotions interfere with safe driving. Always strive
to use good judgment, common sense, courtesy, and the
principles of defensive driving when you are on the
road. Some physical ailments, such as poor vision, heart
problems, or epilepsy may affect your driving. Try not
to drive when you are ill. Discuss your condition with
your physician and follow his or her advice as to whether
or not you should drive. If you have a condition that
might affect your ability to drive safely, you should
also inform the DMV. Conditions Your Physician Must Report Section 410 of the California Health and Safety Code
requires doctors to report in writing to local health
officials the identity of every patient over 14 years
old who is diagnosed with any disorder characterized
by lapses of consciousness or dementia. Physicians, or other persons who substantiate driver's
ability of obtaining a disabled parking placard or licensee
plate, have to maintain such information and make it
available to the Medical Board upon request. Although not required by law, your doctor may report
any other medical condition that they believe may impair
a patient’s ability to drive safely. Remember:
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Never drive after drinking
or using drugs and never ride with anyone who has
been drinking or using drugs |
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If you are either ill
or upset, don’t drive. Your emotions,
like anger, worry, etc., can make you drive unsafely.
Never vent your anger by driving recklessly |
It is illegal to drive when you are impaired, no matter
what the reason may be.
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