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.
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.
Remember:
 |
Never
drive after drinking or using drugs and never ride
with anyone who has been drinking or using drugs |
|
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.
