Keep focused on the road, not your phone, is the road safety message from the government this year as we head into the holiday season.
According to Arrive Alive (www.arrivealive.co.za), international studies have revealed that distracted drivers experience inattention blindness.
They are looking out the windshield, but do not process everything in the roadway environment necessary to effectively monitor their surroundings, seek and identify potential hazards and to respond to unexpected situations.
The danger of inattention blindness is that when a driver fails to notice events in the driving environment, either at all or too late, it’s impossible to execute a safe response such as a steering manoeuvre or braking to avoid a crash.
Recent research from the Automobile Association (AA), Discovery Insure and other road safety studies indicates a concerning rise in distracted driving, with mobile phone usage topping the list.
“Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it combines all three types of distractions: visual, manual and cognitive,” explained Dewald Ranft, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA).
“However, distracted driving remains one of the most significant threats to road safety, especially during this busy season. Distracted driving goes beyond texting however. It includes anything that diverts your attention from the road.”
He goes on to explain that visual distractions occur when a driver takes their eyes off the road, manual distractions involve taking their hands off the steering wheel and cognitive distractions occur when their mind isn’t focused on driving.
Ranft acknowledged that many people now treat their vehicles as mobile offices, which only increases these risky behaviours.
Keletso Mpisane, head of Blink by MiWay, said keeping kids entertained is essential, but road safety should also remain a top priority.
“Distracted driving, especially with restless children in the back seat, can be a major safety concern,” she warns. “By planning ahead and creating an environment where everyone is engaged and entertained, you can minimise dangerous distractions.”
Snacks, toys, music, and games all play a part in keeping kids occupied, but it’s also important to remember that regular breaks help to avoid meltdowns and keep your passengers happy.
“By turning the drive into a fun experience, you can reduce the stress of the journey and create cherished memories with your family. With a bit of creativity and planning, your next family road trip can be a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone.”
MIWA offers these safety tips:
• Avoid multitasking: Refrain from reading, eating, changing clothes, or grooming while driving.
• Keep young passengers safe: Ensure children are securely buckled up, and if they require attention, pull over to assist them safely.
• Secure pets: Use a pet carrier that is properly restrained to keep animals from moving freely inside the vehicle.
• Prepare a playlist: Choose your music beforehand to avoid adjusting settings while driving.
• Communicate with loved ones: Let family and friends know you won’t be answering calls or texts while on the road.
• Maintain a safe distance: Allow ample following distance to give yourself time to react if necessary.
“Let’s all make a conscious effort to stay focused and protect ourselves, our passengers, and others on the road. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in road safety,” Ranft concluded.
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