Distracted Driving: A Dangerous Example of Not Being Mindful
We’ve all heard the phrase “mindfulness” thrown around a lot lately, but what does it really mean? Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment, paying attention to your surroundings, and fully engaging in the task at hand. Unfortunately, distracted driving is a prime example of not being mindful, and it’s a dangerous habit that needs to be broken.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019 alone. That’s 3,142 preventable deaths that could have been avoided if drivers had simply been more mindful behind the wheel.
So, what exactly is distracted driving? It’s any activity that takes your attention away from driving, including texting, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio or GPS, and even talking to passengers. These seemingly harmless activities can have serious consequences, as they can lead to delayed reaction times, decreased awareness of surroundings, and even accidents.
But here’s the good news: distracted driving is completely preventable. By simply being more mindful and focused while driving, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Here are some tips to help you be a more mindful driver:
1. Put your phone away: It’s tempting to check your phone every time it buzzes, but even a quick glance can be dangerous. Put your phone on silent and out of reach while driving to avoid temptation.
2. Plan ahead: If you know you’ll be hungry or thirsty during your drive, plan ahead and bring snacks and drinks with you. This will eliminate the need to eat or drink while driving.
3. Pull over: If you need to make a phone call, send a text, or adjust your GPS, pull over to a safe location first. It’s not worth risking an accident just to save a few minutes.
4. Focus on the road: While driving, focus your attention on the road ahead of you. Don’t let conversations with passengers or thoughts about your day distract you from the task at hand.
By being more mindful and focused while driving, you can help make the roads safer for everyone. Remember, distracted driving is a dangerous example of not being mindful, so let’s all do our part to break this habit and stay safe on the road.
