As you know, driving requires your full, undivided attention at all times. It can be seriously dangerous to look away from the road for even just a few seconds.
You should always expect the unexpected while driving so that you can be as prepared as possible if something should suddenly happen.
Maintaining focus behind the wheel is becoming increasingly difficult as our digital lives continue to bleed out into our everyday lives. However, staying concentrated on the road is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself and those around you safe.
Here are five tips you can use to help improve your focus on the road:
#1 - Make a commitment not to use your phone while driving.
Cell phones are perhaps the most dangerous distraction drivers face because using them requires all forms of your attention to leave the road. You see, there are three categories of distractions, including:
- Physical
- Removing your hands from the wheel
- Visual
- Taking your eyes off the road
- Cognitive
- Thinking about things other than driving
When you use a phone while driving, you are physically, visually, and cognitively distracted.
If you have trouble keeping your attention off your phone while driving, it’s a good idea to set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” mode so you are not presented with notifications that can distract you from driving.
#2 - Be sure to get enough sleep.
This may seem like common sense, but it’s worth stating. Not getting adequate sleep can easily disrupt your focus levels, so it is important to always get enough sleep, particularly when you have a long drive ahead of you.
According to research from the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, “When we are sleep deprived, our focus, attention, and vigilance drift, making it more difficult to receive information. Without adequate sleep and rest, over-worked neurons can no longer function to coordinate information properly, and we lose our ability to access previously learned information.”
#3 - Practice mindfulness both on and off the road.
Mindfulness is all about focusing your full attention on the present moment. Don’t think about the past or the future. Take your mind off your to-do list and instead, think about what you are currently experiencing.
Experts say practicing mindfulness is a great way to rewire your brain so that your attention levels are stronger throughout your daily life.
#4 - Set up your GPS before you begin driving.
It can be difficult to form the habit, but it’s a good idea to always input your destination’s address into the GPS before you put your foot on the gas. Not only will you experience less stress when you take the car out of park, but you will also feel more confident in knowing exactly where you are going and how to get there before getting out on the road.
#5 - Ask your passengers to help you focus on driving.
Having passengers in the car with you can be fun, but it can also be distracting. In order to avoid any incidents with your passengers, let them know ahead of time you want to do everything you can to stay focused on driving. Ask them nicely to help you maintain your concentration on driving by doing everything possible to avoid distracting you.
If You’ve Been Hurt, We Want to Help
It is inexcusable for someone acting recklessly to cause you to sustain injuries in a crash. If another’s carelessness has caused your injury-sustaining accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team right away to learn more about what we can do to help with your case. We will do everything possible to help you succeed.
Give our personal injury attorney at Dore Law Group, PLLC a call today at (253) 236-3888 to discuss your case.