When we get behind the wheel, it’s easy to think that driving is a simple task, but in reality, many factors can influence our safety on the road. Whether it’s distractions around us, our emotional state, or our mental focus, these elements can affect how we respond to hazards and navigate traffic. Understanding the impact of distractions and emotions is essential for safer driving.
Quick Navigation
Types of Driving Distractions
- Visual distractions – taking your eyes off the road for any reason.
- Manual distractions – taking your hands off the wheel to interact with something else.
- Cognitive distractions – taking your mind off driving (e.g., daydreaming, conversations, personal concerns).
Main Causes of Driving Distractions
Mobile Phones and Tablets
Driving distractions caused by mobile phones have now surpassed driving under the influence as the leading cause of accidents. Mobile phones are a major distraction for drivers, partly due to the growing digital addiction in society.
While it’s safer to use a hands-free device, it still requires the driver to look at or occasionally touch the device. Drivers’ reaction times are twice as slow when texting with a hands-free phone, and three times slower with a handheld device. These distractions slow down drivers’ ability to recognise and respond to hazards. Even careful drivers can be caught off guard by a call or text, leading to dangerous crashes.
Eating or Drinking
Eating or drinking while driving may seem harmless, but it significantly increases the risk of accidents. Any activity that takes your hands off the wheel is a driving distraction, impairing your ability to control the vehicle properly.
Using the GPS, Adjusting the Radio, or the A/C
These actions also qualify as driving distractions because they require you to take one hand off the wheel and your eyes off the road. The safest way to adjust any settings or use devices is to pull over and stop the vehicle.
Dealing with Passengers
Conversations or movements from passengers can distract the driver. Pets in the car, such as dogs or cats, can also become a distraction if they are not properly secured. It’s essential to ensure that all passengers, human and animal, are safe and not a source of distraction.
People, Objects, or Events Outside the Vehicle
It’s tempting to glance at accidents or events outside the car, but it’s crucial to keep your attention focused on the road and avoid becoming distracted by external factors.
Fatigue
Fatigue significantly affects concentration and increases the likelihood of accidents. Fatigue is a major driving distraction, as it reduces a driver’s alertness. A simple nod or shake of the head could indicate microsleep, which can last from 2 to 30 seconds. If you feel sleepy, pull over and take a short nap to refresh yourself before continuing your journey.
Alcohol and Drugs
It’s impossible to determine exactly how much alcohol you can consume and remain under the legal limit, as alcohol affects everyone differently based on weight, age, and metabolism. Illicit drugs combined with driving are a dangerous combination, impairing vision, focus, and reaction times.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have severe consequences, including fines, driving bans, criminal records, and even imprisonment.
How Your Emotional State Impacts Your Driving
Several studies have shown that emotions can significantly affect driving behaviour. Learning to manage your emotions can help prevent them from becoming a distraction while driving.
Driving angrily can lead to aggressive and erratic driving, increasing the likelihood of road rage. Sadness can affect risk perception, as the mind may focus on emotional issues rather than on the road. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s crucial to pull over and stop the car safely.
Emotional Regulation Techniques for Safe Driving
There are several techniques that can help minimise the impact of emotions on your driving and reduce emotional distractions:
Put Things in Perspective
When driving, you will encounter other road users whose behaviour might not always be ideal. Focus on your main goal: ensuring your own and others’ safety. Avoid reacting to risky manoeuvres or engaging in arguments that can lead to emotional distractions.
Take Relaxing Breaths
It might sound simple, but deep breathing can help you manage stress and emotional distractions. If you feel your emotions starting to shift, take a few deep breaths. This will help to calm your system and keep you focused on the road.
Use an Appropriate Soundtrack
If you want to listen to music while driving, choose soothing tunes. Fast-paced or aggressive music can lead to more erratic driving and emotional distractions, while calmer music will help maintain a more stable emotional state.
Conclusion
Driving is not just about operating a vehicle; it’s influenced by emotional states, distractions, and external factors. By recognising and understanding driving distractions, the effect emotions can have on driving, and applying emotional regulation techniques, you can significantly reduce the risks on the road. Remember to stay focused, stay calm, and drive safely for your own safety and that of others.