Driver distraction can have serious consequences. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.25 million people die each year in traffic accidents, and 94% of those deaths are caused by driver error.
Experts have pointed out four main causes of distraction for drivers participating in traffic:
1.Visual Distraction– things that take drivers' eyes off the road, such as checking their phone or reapplying makeup.
2.Distractions due to sound– Excessively loud noises such as phone conversations or music in the cabin will prevent the driver from hearing signals from other vehicles participating in traffic, such as ambulance sirens.
3.Distraction due to activity– Holding food or drink also makes it impossible for the driver to concentrate on his steering wheel.
4.Psychological distraction– Fatigue and health problems are also factors that reduce your ability to concentrate on driving.
Statistics on the current state of distracted driving:
390m:Distance you travel in 14 seconds at 100km/h
94%:Percentage of fatal accidents caused by driver error
37%:The ability to concentrate is reduced when talking on the phone while driving.
14 seconds:Average time to take a selfie
1: The amount of work the brain can concentrate on processing at one time
Driving requires high concentration
Every job requires a certain amount of concentration from the brain. Compared to lying on the beach, driving requires a high level of concentration because dangerous situations can happen at any time.
Matt Gerach is one of Ford’s top professional driving instructors in the Asia Pacific region. He spent 10 years at Ford training the best engineers to become top test drivers at Ford Australia.
“With the experience of training hundreds of students over the past time, I have realized that: driving on the simplest roads also requires up to 85% of the driver's brain's concentration. It is not too difficult to drive while sending a text message, taking a picture or talking to a fellow driver. However, that is when an accident can happen at any time, especially when your brain cannot fully concentrate on driving.”
A recent Ford survey found that in Asia Pacific, 22% of young women admitted to taking photos while driving. This is a worrying fact, because at 100km/h, a car can travel 390m in just 14 seconds, which is just enough time for them to take a selfie. 54% of drivers said they cannot give up the habit of using their phones while driving. 59% of the survey participants also admitted to using their phones while driving or at red lights, even though they know it is a violation of traffic laws.
As a car tester, Gerlach has to put cars through the most extreme conditions, even beyond the demands of regular drivers. Test drivers are also trained to use their full attention while driving and testing the quality of the car.
“When you are 85% focused on driving, it is difficult to concentrate on anything else. Whether you are a seasoned driver or a novice, you need to understand the level of concentration required to drive. Always stay alert while participating in traffic, only then can you drive safely,” Gerlach emphasized.
How to drive more focused?
Here are some tips to help make your driving safer:
1. Concentrate completely on driving your car. Experts have provided data proving that: just a little distraction while driving, drivers can easily cause danger to pedestrians, other road users and themselves.
2. Expand your field of vision when participating in traffic. Gerlach said: “People often do not have a comprehensive vision when driving. They tend to pay attention to the car right in front of them instead of checking the traffic situation ahead. Try to expand your vision in front and on both sides of your car so you can promptly recognize unexpected situations that may arise.”
3. Don't drive when you are not sober enough: Health problems always affect your driving concentration. Make sure you always stay awake and alert to react more quickly and accurately while driving.
This article is part of a series of multimedia publications by Ford Motor Company to raise awareness of traffic safety among drivers. For more information, please contact [https://www.facebook.com/FordVietnam/]. Information about courses and articles on traffic safety are fully updated and detailed atwww.drivingskillsforlife.com
