Distracted driving is a risk factor on the road at any time, but as millions of families prepare to take to the roads over the Easter weekend, there could be more distracted drivers around than usual.
In the UK, motoring organization the RAC is predicting almost 19 million separate car journeys between Friday and Monday, with Easter marking the first big getaway of 2018. Child passengers, pets in vehicles and heading to unfamiliar destinations can all increase the likelihood of drivers being distracted.
Here are eDriving’s top tips for a distraction-free trip this Easter weekend:
Prepare yourself for a focused drive by getting enough sleep and avoiding alcohol the night before you travel.
Set up GPS before you travel to resist the urge of fiddling with the device during the trip. Nominate a passenger to be in charge of your mobile so you aren’t tempted to answer calls or reply to texts while at the wheel.
Equip child passengers with quiet activities to help keep them occupied during the trip. Think books, puzzles and video games/ DVD players with headphones.
Pack luggage into the boot/ trunk if possible and avoid piling items in a way that they could obscure your vision or be projected forward in the event of a collision. Not only can “projectile” luggage be dangerous; it can also be distracting. Restrain pets for their safety and the safety of other car occupants.
Watch out for other road users including motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians and children. Remember that more people will take to the roads over the holidays and more drivers than usual will be in motorhomes/RVs or towing caravans. Some of them will be unfamiliar with the vehicle they are driving or unfamiliar with the roads they are using. Be on guard and drive defensively.
Maintain a safe following distance during your trip—at least three seconds between vehicles in good conditions and six seconds in wet conditions. It can take ten times as long to stop on an icy road. This helps you to keep a safety space around other drivers, who could slow down or stop unexpectedly.
Take a break at least every two hours to help avoid driver fatigue and give everyone chance to stretch their legs and refresh. You might choose to strike a deal with family members—for example, if they refrain from distracting you during the trip, they’ll be rewarded with a treat during the pit stop!
Visit eDriving’s Distracted Driving Center for articles, facts and tips for avoiding distracted driving.
