Session 26 – Inattentive Driving Part 1

INATTENTIVE DRIVING

Distractions While Driving

Being distracted from, or not giving your full attention to your driving, could result in serious consequences. You could be in a crash, strike a pedestrian, leave the roadway, not notice a hazard
or danger, or miss important traffic signs or signals. Anything that takes your attention away from driving can lead you to make a poor choice while driving. Your concentration should be completely on your driving and what is around and ahead of your vehicle.

All distractions can endanger drivers’ safety. Texting is especially alarming because it takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your mind off of driving. Texting while driving is against the law in Wisconsin. Section 346.89(3) Wis. Stats.

Concentrate completely on driving.

Avoid using a cell phone, eating, drinking, putting on makeup, shaving, brushing your teeth, reading, writing, using a computer, smoking, changing your stereo cassette tapes or CDs, looking for things on the floor, trying to find change for tolls, etc. Plan ahead and take care of as many of these things as you can before you start driving. Otherwise, wait until you get to where you are going, or pull over in a safe location to do them. For example, if you need to read a map or directions, pull over to the side of the road in a safe place. Stop until you are ready to give your complete attention to driving.

Keep your stereo or radio at a volume low enough so you can hear things outside your vehicle. If it is turned up too loud, you may not be able to hear a siren, horn honking, screeching tires or other things that would lead you to react to an emergency or hazard in order to prevent a crash. Do not drive with headsets or earphones that cover or go in both ears. They make it too hard to hear emergency horns or sirens.

Talking on a cell phone can increase your chances of being in a crash by as much as four times. It is distracting because your attention is directed more toward your conversation than your driving. If you have a portable phone or CB radio, avoid using it when the vehicle is in motion. Even with “hands free” equipment, talking on a phone or radio takes your attention away from driving and can cause you to be less likely to notice a dangerous situation. If you need to talk on a cell phone, pull over to the side of the road in a safe place until you are finished with your call.

If you have a Probationary license or Instruction Permit, using a cell phone while driving is against the law in Wisconsin except to report an emergency. Section 346.89(4) Wis. Stats.

Children or pets can also be distracting. Pets should always be in a carrier, or you should have a passenger hold the animal while you are driving. If children are misbehaving in the vehicle, pull over to the side of the road in a safe place before you try to deal with the situation.