Heads-Up for Safety: Practice Mindful Driving

Behind the wheel, do you worry about the distracted, aggressive, and incompetent drivers you see all around you? Well, you’re not alone. In polls, large majorities say they’re concerned about being injured or killed in a crash caused by another driver.

As a driver, how can you protect yourself and your companions against threats posed by other drivers?

The answer, in part, is to practice mindful driving: avoid your own distractions, stay vigilant, scan the road for surprises, check the body language of other vehicles, try to anticipate how a situation might evolve, and be ready to react.

Studies have found that when a driver’s mind is focused on something other than driving—a daydream, a worry, a text, a video, or a phone conversation—the driver’s brain may not react to what the eyes detect on the road ahead. That is, the signal that travels along the optic nerve from the eyes to the brain gets short-circuited. As a result, a distracted driver can look directly ahead but fail to “see” what’s in plain view. Researchers call it “inattention blindness.” It’s to be avoided!

Consider opening yourself up to the practice of mindful driving. Make a resolution to try it out—initially, just on a single trip. Put your phone aside, try to let go of daydreams, concentrate on scanning the road for surprises, notice how it feels to be free of distractions.

*Put your phone completely out of sight and out of reach.

Distracting activities like reaching for objects more than double the risk of crashing. Reduce the temptation by putting your device in the back seat or glove compartment.

*When you’re at a red light, take a breath instead of reaching for your phone.

Conscious breathing can help you to be more present and improve your attention.

*As you buckle your seatbelt, commit to a distraction-free drive.

This technique will help you hold yourself accountable and be more intentional.

*Tell your passengers that you’re committing to a distraction-free drive.

If someone is in the car with you, let them know you won’t be looking at your phone. Ask them to hold you accountable—and even to hold your phone!

*Turn on “Do Not Disturb” mode when driving.

Silencing your notifications will reduce distractions and lower your risk.

*Before a long trip, get a good night’s sleep.

Drowsy driving is a significant risk-factor for road injuries and fatalities.

Take care and stay safe out there!

Source; https://thriveglobal.com/stories/heads-up-for-safety-practice-mindful-driving/

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