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LOW RISK DRIVING |
Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6 |
| 3. Crash Avoidance Factors |
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LOW RISK DRIVING |
Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6 |
| 3. Crash Avoidance Factors |
26. Distractions cause destruction
Handling a motor vehicle safely takes all you attention, especially as a beginner driver.
A 2000 dollar damage bill was caused by a 17-year old, who only had been licensed for a few days. He had bought a pizza and was eating it as he happily drove home through suburban back streets. Suddenly, just as he turned a corner, trying to steer with one hand, a piece of his food broke and fell onto his lap.Without thinking, in reflex, he tried to retrieve it, losing control of the steering. The car smashed into a tree, the young lad lucky to be uninjured.
No driver, especially the inexperienced, can afford to be distracted for one moment.
Distractions can be classed into three categories:Your safety and that of your passengers and other road users, must not be jeopardized. If in doubt, stop the vehicle, then deal with problems.
- Unforeseen events
An insect buzzes around in the car. A spider crawls onto the dashboard. The natural reaction is to flick it. At high speed this leads to serious disasters. Turning around to tend to children or babies, trying to wipe a fogged up windscreen, the list is endless, all must be done after stopping the vehicle.
- Deliberate neglect
Eating, drinking, smoking whilst driving. Changing a CD or tape, or playing with the radio or other accessories. Fastening the seatbelt, adjusting mirrors or seats, reading the road map on the move, have caused drivers to lose control. The use of mobile phones whilst driving, unless it is a hands-free set, has now been outlawed in all Australian states.
- Outside distractions Sightseeing, window-shopping, watching unusual events such as bushfires or an accident, looking for an address or landmark etc. all take attention away from the road ahead.
Don’t try to kill an insect while you drive, it may kill you both !
Disclaimer: Above information is for Australian learner drivers. Regulations could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents, failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend to use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.
