Deadly Driving Mistakes

Most of us would claim to be safe drivers. After all, we monitor what we drink and watch our speed. But what about the risks we don’t realise we’re taking? Whether it’s applying makeup or checking your cell phone, if you’re distracted from the road, you could put yourself – and others – in danger.

‘Women are busier than ever and use car journeys to multitask,’ says road-accident expert Duncan Bowker. ‘Cars are far more sophisticated these days, with hi-tech stereos and GPS systems, so there’s more potential to be sidetracked.’ So how do you stay safe on the road? COSMO explains all...

Driving While Distracted	Adjusting the radio, chatting on the phone, setting the GPS, smoking or eating – how many times have you done one of these while behind the wheel? One study revealed that we get distracted once every six minutes while driving. And multitaskers are three times more likely to be involved in a crash than those with their full focus on the road. Duncan says, ‘Most accidents occur in slow-moving traffic. It might seem the perfect opportunity to change a CD or check your appearance in the mirror. But letting your attention wander makes it much easier to absent-mindedly clip the car in front.’ Sometimes you risk more than just bumping bumpers, as Emma Phillips, 25, knows. ‘I was driving along the motorway last winter when I reached over to turn the heating up. I must have taken my eyes off the road for only two seconds but when l looked up, I’d veered over the white line. In a panic, I swerved back but lost control, skidded and slammed into the central reservation. I’d been driving at 112km/hour, so it was a miracle that l escaped unharmed. It left me terribly shaken and I’ve learnt never to take my eyes off the road. By the time you look up, it could be too late.’ Stay Safe • Adjust your radio, GPS, air-conditioning or heating before you start your journey, ask your passenger to do it or pull over. • If you get lost, don’t check maps while driving. Pull over and familiarise yourself with your route before continuing. • If you must use your cell phone while driving, use hands-free or Bluetooth. But remember that road safety charities say you are four times more likely to have an accident, even if you’re using a hands-free kit.
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Author: Tracy Ramsden