Have you been guilty of checking a message on your phone while driving? Or zone out on your regular commute? 😳 In today’s world, distracted driving can lead to road accidents in an instant. Here’s what you can do…

The Impact Of Distracted Driving

Driving while distracted (DWD) poses a risk on South Africa’s roads, with 60% to 80% of car accidents attributed to this behaviour, according to MasterDrive, a leading authority in driver training and road safety. Eugene Herbert, MasterDrive CEO, points out the harsh reality of the statistics out there, “Think of each person that has lost a life while driving distracted as a living, human being with family, friends and colleagues, whose loss will irrevocably change lives.”

The Alarming Statistics on Distracted Driving

  • 25% of motor vehicle accidents are linked to drivers using their cell phones.
  • 52% of drivers involved in a road accident admit to playing on their radio.
  • 32% of road accidents are caused by a driver eating or drinking.
  • A driver is also 8 times more likely to crash when reaching for an object.
  • Answering a message on your phone takes away 5 seconds of your attention – or even longer.

Mindful Driving Tips

In a past interview with accidentANGELS, Dr Lee Randall, co-founder of the Road Ethics Project, provided insight into how one can stay present while driving. “Sometimes you find your mental attention drifting – bring yourself back to the here-and-now by narrating your driving experience,” she explains, “as humans, we tend to underestimate risks when it comes to highly familiar tasks and situations.”

Check out these 5 steps to drive with more safety in mind:

  1. Concentrate: Actively scan the road, use the mirrors and watch out for cyclists and pedestrians.
  2. Avoid eating or drinking: Plan to eat meals or snacks before or after your trip.
  3. Put your phone away: Never text, read emails or scroll through social media while driving. Turn your phone off, and put it out of reach.
  4. Prep your trip: Decide on your route and check traffic conditions beforehand.
  5. Passenger safety: Make sure children and pets are safely using their seatbelts, in their carriers, harnesses etc. This prevents them from moving around which can be a distraction.

An affordable motor vehicle accident plan with accidentANGELS

While these tips can help you mitigate the risks of distracted driving, accidents happen. By signing up with accidentANGELS, you and your loved ones are ensuring guaranteed access to a private hospital in the case of a motor vehicle accident – all at an affordable monthly cost. Focus on your safe driving habits and be prepared with an ANGEL by checking out our plans here.

Angel in Charge,
Trevor Case

Brought to you by accidentANGELS