So the roadways change all the time, and the configurations change all the time. And really the only guidance that we have for being on roadways is lights, signs, and road markings.
And it's imperative that we pay attention to those. Traffic, we have seven different kinds of vehicles on a roadway that comprise to make traffic:. These are being seen more and more in traffic. So be on the lookout for seniors driving on roadways on their little electric scooters. Light, is another factor. Light can change from night time when you can't see, glaring sun, middle of the day, cloudy, overcast - all of these factors change how our light varies from any given time of the day.
So if you're driving long periods of time, the light is going to change dramatically. And just as one example, at night time human beings lose about half of their ability to see. There are lots of road infrastructure pieces in place that compensate for our less ability to see at night. For example, reflective signs, reflectors on the roadway to mark them out, and those sorts of things.
But still, it's greatly reduced. Finally, the last factor is weather. Weather can change any given day, especially for those driving in the mountains, and in other remote locations. You can go from rain, to freezing rain, to slush, to snow, bright blue skies. All of these things are changing. So the six factors, in conclusion, are 1 the driver, 2 the vehicle, 3 traffic, 4 the roadway, 5 light and 6 weather. As drivers spend more and more time in their vehicles, attempting to multitask from behind the wheel, almost any activity can be potentially distracting.
Even routine things such as talking to passengers, eating, talking on cell phones or texting can be dangerous distractions for drivers. Does your company have a distracted driving policy to ensure employee safety and reduce potential liability? If not, it's time to adopt one.
The first step is understanding the different types of distracted driving and what drivers can do to avoid them. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, there are three primary types of driving distractions: visual, manual and cognitive. Visual driving distractions cause you to take your eyes off the road.
Examples include activities such as checking your GPS or navigation system, looking to see what song is playing on the radio, and searching for mirror or temperature controls or lost items on the floor of your vehicle.
Cognitive distractions take your focus and concentration away from driving. This could be anything from talking to other passengers in the vehicle to road rage or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Stress and fatigue are also a factor. Drowsy or fatigued driving is a form of cognitive distraction that is suspected to contribute to more than , crashes each year — including 40, injuries and some 1, deaths.
Many experts feel that these crashes are under-reported, and the actual numbers may be much higher. Distracted drivers are also less likely to safely respond to adverse roadways and weather conditions by failing to recognize hazards and reacting too slowly to changing traffic conditions.
Two of the most common distractions — talking on cell phones or texting while driving — are especially dangerous because they fall under all three types of distracted driving.
Many states have enacted laws making it illegal to use the phone behind the wheel — even for hands-free calls — and texting while driving is illegal in most states. Federal law prohibits all commercial drivers from using hand-held mobile devices while driving. Driving requires your full attention, and the best way to avoid distractions is to stay focused and keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Of course, drivers should avoid eating and smoking while driving and should never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but other best practices include pulling over to read directions or setting navigation systems before you start driving.
Using radio pre-sets eliminates the need to tune to your favorite channels, and all adjustments to mirrors, seats and steering should be made prior to getting on the road.
It is also a good habit to keep your phone out of reach while you are in the car. The good news is that most crashes are preventable. OSHA recommends employers implement a driver safety program to reduce the risk of collisions and protect employees on the road, as well as themselves against potential liabilities associated with crashes on company time or in company vehicles.
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