The National Highway Safety Administration defines driver inattention
as.....
A driver engaging in tasks not necessary to the task of driving
A driver driving tired or drowsy
A driver glancing off the road
A driver not paying attention to the roadway in front of them
While over correction is a leading "type" of crash in Missouri, a momentary
loss of attention to driving, is by far the leading cause. Everyone is guilty
of doing something that will take their attention off the road for a moment.
But in many cases, these little diversions, can be killers.
Controlling a ton and a half of metal is surprisingly safe. Auto makers are
constantly making it safer. But no matter how many safeguards are added to
a vehicle, if a driver isn't 100% in control, their mode of transportation
can suddenly become a weapon, or a coffin.
Here is an easy way to look at it. At 60 miles per hour, a vehicle travels
88 feet per second...29.4 yards. Just a stupid fact you'll never need to
know? Ok, fair enough. But here are a few other numbers to think about before
you blow it off. When you are traveling down that country road, and you pass
oncoming cars in their lane, you are traveling within 6 feet of that car.
If they are doing 60 mph also, that is just six feet from a 120 mile per
hour head on collision. On your right side, the edge of the road could
be less than 6 feet away.
So how long would your attention have to be diverted before your vehicle
could travel that 6 feet? And after you think about that, think about this.
How long does it take to reach down for the cell phone, or dial it? How long
does it take to look at your passenger while conversing, or into your purse,
glove box, mirror, console. How long do those minor little distractions really
take your eyes of the road?
The problem starts when these little "distractions" shift your attention
off the road. Keeping your mind 100% on what you are doing, 100% of the time,
isn't required in too many aspects of life. But in driving, every time your
attention is even partially taken off the road, your chances of a car crash
increase.
When you get behind the wheel of your vehicle, you probably have plans to
go somewhere.
Everyone is going somewhere today.
How you get there is up to you.
If you don't maintain control of that "how", you can't possibly control the
"where" you could end up.
Please pay attention - your life depends on it.
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