WINDHOEK – It is shocking to notice how, without shame, drivers attempt to multi-task while navigating through traffic on the road. Common are eating, texting, applying make-up, and talking on the cell phone.
Keeping one’s hands at 10 and two, constantly scanning the horizon and mirrors, and keeping a safe following distance are the trademarks of safe drivers. But eating, texting, and dancing to high volume tunes of the latest CDs are all trademarks of bad drivers.
Cell phone texting & talking
It seems the traffic regulations against using cell phones while driving have not deterred drivers, instead they now go to the greatest lengths to hide the cell phone. This means that often the driver has their eyes on the cell phone on their lap rather than the road. Few people realise the dangers of talking on the phone while trying to execute a road task that requires maximum alertness.
Once any sort of heated or excited emotion kicks into the conversation, the driver quickly becomes a very dangerous person on the road.
Talking to Passengers
Just as talking on a phone can be distracting, talking to a passenger can even be worse. Looking in the mirrors, goofing around, and/or arguing with those in a car can completely disrupt a driver’s concentration and take his or her eyes off the road.
Eating and Drinking
Any activity that requires the use of your knee as the primary steering instrument is bad news. Drivers literally have their hands tied, response time and ability is severely hampered, causing the likelihood of an accident to increase.
Getting Pretty
It takes a lot of time to look good in the morning, which is why many people think they need to finish the job on their way to work. Unfortunately, the car rear-view mirror was meant to glance for traffic in the driver rear and about, and not for grooming oneself on the way to work. Applying make-up or fixing it while driving increases the chances of rear end accidents. Although looking good is important, looking at the road ahead is life saving.
Being the DJ while driving
The problem with this is that while it is not illegal to change playlists or CDs while driving, it is just as distracting as texting. Taking your eyes off the road for even a minute can be the difference between life and death. Prepare your playlist before leaving home. Considering that some injury-causing crashes have to do with some form of distracted driving, it is best to keep your eyes, hands and mind on the road at all times.
By Felix Tjozongoro