Driving is a high-risk activity; therefore, you should be aware of distractions that may disrupt your concentration when driving. Sources of distraction are not only external, it can be internal.  Let us find out types of distractions and how to deal with them.

CELLULAR PHONE

Even though official research has not been conducted yet, almost all drivers have had phone calls when driving. No one can predict what can happen during the two seconds of careless moments when operating cellular phone. Hands-free feature does not seem to help much. The topic of conversation may influences emotion and disrupts the driver’s concentration. Doing text messaging when driving is very dangerous.

Tips:
- It is advisable not to activate cellular phone when driving to keep the concentration.
- If it is necessary to make a call, pull off the road and stop the vehicle safely.

PASSENGER
An involved conversation with heavy topics with passenger may affect the emotion that may cause dangerous driving.  The presence of children or pets inside the car also often distracts your concentration from the road.

Tips:
- Ensure all passengers are safely seated and buckled up.
- Choose light conversation topics.
- Bring something for the kids to do, such as books or toys. Keep all doors locked when driving.
- Keep your pet in the cage

Entertainment device can be a source of accident. Adjusting/Switching the audio systems on the dashboard may take your attention off the road, not to mention the danger of driving using only one hand.

Tips:
- Set up audio  systems and AC before leaving
- If there is other passenger, ask for assistance
- If you are driving alone, use the time when you stop at the traffic light to adjust audio and AC.

CONSUMING FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Your concentration can be disrupted if you are hungry, however consuming food and beverages when driving is potentially dangerous, reducing your reflex and disrupting your concentration.

Tips:
- Always try to leave earlier, that way you will have a chance to eat before leaving. Keep a supply of candies, snacks and drinks in the car.
- If the journey is long way and you have companion, ask help to drive while you are eating.

EXTERNAL DISRUPTION

External disruption generally is beyond our control, for instance, accident, getting a traffic ticket, running into friends at the roads, billboard, scenery and attractive sightings.

DANGEROUS ARTICLE IN BAGGAGE
Items should be placed firmly or tied up so they cannot move around otherwise it will disrupt concentration as you may feel want to reach out those items. The reflex of the driver will be influenced. Organize the items using cargo net or put them in the drawer.

There are other things that potentially disrupt your concentration when driving, such as driving under influence of alcohol. You need to be very careful and always put your concentration on the top of your priority. Enjoy your Driving!

Source: Auto Bild Safety Driving Booklet.

Do you know?
Road traffic accident is no 3 cause of death in Indonesia. About 93.5% of road traffic accident caused by road misuse. Therefore, from now on, let us obey traffic signs for our own safety.