How to Guard Against Distracted Drivers

Have you noticed the improvement in drivers using Bluetooth devices on their cell phones? Or, have you noticed driving habits to be the same or worse than ever? Has the use of Bluetooth devices given drivers a false sense of security causing them to pay less attention than ever? Facts and figures for 2010 are not yet available; so determining what distractions caused accidents is difficult. The facts do show distraction caused accidents are on the rise. The proportion of fatalities reportedly associated with driver distraction increased from 10 percent in 2005 to 16 percent in 2009. During that time, fatal crashes with reported driver distraction also increased from 10 percent to 16 percent

Even though the stats show a drop in hand held device usage, observations of distracted driving today seem the same or worse. Case in point; sitting at a four way stop, waiting our turn to go, a speeding truck blows through the stop sign. Cars not staying in their own lanes, driving through red lights and cutting people off, have shown (in our opinion) no driver improvements. As a result we use defensive driving, our own dos and don’ts and situational awareness, in our arsenal for roadway survival.

Here are a few tips and tricks we use that may keep you from being involved in an accident.

At stop signs – Don’t assume that all the cars will stop at a stop sign. A distracted driver is more likely to not see a stop sign. People struggle with a four way stop sign. The rule is to yield to the car on the right but confusion seems to dominate. A distracted driver can make a four way stop into a disaster.

When a stop light turns green – wait at least 2 to 3 seconds before entering the intersection. Also, look both ways to see that everyone approaching the red light is slowing to a stop.

Don’t assume a person in a vehicle can see you – Even if they are looking right at you, they may not know you are there. Tests have shown people distracted don’t always see what is right in front of them.

When two lanes are going left or right, at a traffic signal, don’t assume the car next to you is going to stay in their lane. More times than not at some point during the turn they will drift into, or wind up going into, your lane. Distracted drivers may not realize that both lanes are turning; and at a minimum will cut you off.

Don’t assume a person in a vehicle can see you – Even if they are looking right at you, they may not know you are there. Tests have shown people distracted don’t always see what is right in front of them.

Do be on guard at all times – When you are next to another car they might not know you are there. With the craze in SUV’s, smaller cars hide in the blind spots.

Do make sure your vehicle is safe – Read these tips on vehicle checks and general safety travel information

Here are a few more tips we use to combat the distracted driver. Is the driver talking on the phone? Is the driver talking to the passengers? Are the driver’s arms waving about or do they look distracted? If so, give them extra room; and keep an eye on them. If the situation does not look or feel right, get out of the situation safely. Taking two minutes longer to get to your destination has to be better than not getting there at all. The bottom line is; the more you drive defensively; and are paying attention, the less chance you have of being in an accident. Watch out for the other guy!