Defensive Driver Research Paper

Distracted driving is one of the top causes of car accidents. In today’s society, we are so consumed in our phones, radios, mirrors, and food that we lose focus of what is most important at the time. While it may seem like just a moment when we take a peek at our text message, all it takes is one second to lose control of your vehicle. Engaging in other activities while driving not only puts your life at risk, but others in the car and on the road as well. Luckily, there are a few measures that can be taken to prevent being distracted while driving.

There is an undeniable familiar site as we drive down our roads daily. Distracted drivers pose a risk to all those on the road ways. According to the US Department of Transportation National Highway of Traffic Safety Administration, on September 30, 2009, the problem of distracted driving reached the attention of the highest levels of government when President Obama issued an Executive Order prohibiting Federal employees from texting while driving government vehicles or while using a government supplied cell phone while driving any vehicle. U.S. Department of Transportation agencies have issued similar directives. Examples given include the “Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) banned commercial truck and bus drivers from

When asked about their driving habits, most individuals insist that they are excellent drivers. They may even cite how they always follow the speed limit, come to a complete halt at every stop sign and never forget to use their turn signal while merging. While all of these are great, and legally required, driving habits, it is important to know there is more to being a safe driver than just following the rules.

According to the National Safety Council, “drivers who are looking out the windshield, do not process everything in the roadway environment that they must know to effectively monitor their surroundings, seek and identify potential hazards, and respond to unexpected situations.” Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in the U.S., many people believe they can multitask while driving, but in reality driving and engaging in another activity at the same time, such as, texting, requires a great deal of thought. Being distracted not only endangers yourself, but also the passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles on the road. Driving can be fun, relaxing, and sometimes it even relieves stress and problems that you may have in your life, but, it can also have potential dangers including, bad weather conditions, road hazards, or hazards from other drivers. It only takes a couple of seconds for someone or something to run out in the road, or another driver to come to complete stop in front of you, and in those couple of seconds you could have your eye off the road. Because of these potential dangers, you need to have all of your attention on the

attention. At night it is also important to slow down and check both ways. If there are flashing lights

Some states have made it illegal to drive while using a handheld cell phone. For example, if you are driving down the road and you get a message should you answer it? No. Nothing is more important than your life. So I agree with this law. Driving with a handheld cell phone could be a distraction, cause a death or injury, and make you pay money that you shouldn't. Your cell phone could distract you while driving. It could cause accidents. Also, it could cause you to hit an animal or another person. It would make you regret ever picking up your phone if you kill someone just to read a message. Driving with a phone in your hand could be very dangerous. 60% of people who drive usually text and drive. This could cause wrecks. If

By using your turning signal we can effectively reduce the risk of accidents caused by the inability to signal a change in pace while driving. Ranging from rear ending to t-bones, any reduction on the number of these occurrences will further impact safe driving conditions. Moreover, the doing so is law according to most city ordinances therefore not signaling neighboring drivers is more than just a morally high standing thing for us to do. Together we practice and execute this admirable habit as it influences other to do the same.

100% focus on the road when driving for yourself and everyone around you. Also, handle all cell phone

Watch for other vehicles before opening your door and getting out of your vehicle when you park along the side of the road.

Develop a habit of scanning the road and your mirrors. This will increase your alertness and situational awareness, both of which are essential elements of safe

It is also important for motorcyclists to make sure they are visible to other drivers. Avoid riding in a driver's blind spot. Be sure to signal early when changing lanes or making a turn. Then others on the road, especially drivers of larger vehicles, will be able to know your intentions earlier. If you notice a driver who is swerving or who does not appear to be paying attention to other drivers, give the person more room.

Eliminate Distractions, driving is a task that needs attention, on the road there is always something to observe like the speed limit, traffic laws, and the vehicles around you. Being distracted even for a second can be life threatening. People who have been driving for a while get over confident in their driving abilities and let their driving skills

One major distraction while driving is our cell phones. Cell phones have changed the world completely ever since the first iPhone hit the market. The main thing that people do on their cellphones these days is text. Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous things that people do while driving. When people text and drive they take their eyes of the road for around three to five seconds every message that is sent. This translates to about 300 to 500 feet that the driver is not paying attention to the road or other vehicles. A lot can happen in that much distance, and that is for just one message that doesn’t include if there are more message. This is why driving while texting can be

Cell phone use while driving can be an immense distraction. Anyone that has been behind the wheel knows that driving takes a huge amount of focus and discipline to do correctly, there are many distractions on the road as it is, and distractions are only going to hurt the driver and the people around them or associated with them. So many distractions can be caused on and off the road and many are not within your control, you can only control if they distract you or not. Texting while driving is one of those things; it’s your choice to pick up the phone, it’s your choice to look away from the road, and finally it’s your choice to put your life at risk. Did you know that every day 11 teens in the United States of America die due to texting while driving; Just take a second and think, that could be you in the ambulance, all because of a simple text message or friend calling you to talk, your life could be changed at the blink of an eye.

It is very dangerous to use your cell phone while you drive. “Reaching for your cell phone, talking, and texting increase the risk of you getting into an accident as much as three times” Web Site: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving. If it where me, I would not want to bother reach for that cell phone knowing it could cost me my life or even the life of someone else’s family