October is National Safe Work Month, so the AMCA is driving home vehicle safety to keep people in the commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry out of harm’s way.
This article is part of a series in our campaign, Driving blind? It’s a grave choice.
We all think we’re safe drivers but glancing at your mobile phone for even two seconds while driving at 60 km/h means you will travel for 33 metres blind.
Most people working in the commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry have to drive a vehicle as part of the job and often face distractions on the road.
Driving distractions are a leading source of vehicle accidents, whether it’s a mobile phone, food, a fellow passenger or billboard.
Inattention behind the wheel has become much more prevalent with the rise of mobile phones, with research showing that using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing four times.
Mobile phones aside, drivers face a range of dangerous diversions all the time and must keep their eyes on the road to ensure a safe journey.
Here are some key driver distractions and tips for avoiding them:
Mobile phones
Many of us are guilty of briefly checking a mobile phone while driving, but even a quick look can be deadly.
To avoid interruptions from your mobile while on the road, simply turn it off while driving.
Alternatively, you might want to turn on the ‘do not disturb’ function on your smartphone and let calls go to voicemail while driving.
If you want to go step further, put your phone out of reach in the glovebox or car boot if it’s still too enticing.
Hands-free options
If you absolutely need to take calls while driving, be sure to set up a car phone mount with the hands-free function and keep calls short, as hands-free calls are still distracting.
Also, look at using a dedicated GPS unit if you use your phone for maps and directions.
When driving long distances or spending a lot of time in the car, plan dedicated breaks and inform anyone who needs to speak with you ahead of time so they can call you at the right time.
Avoid physically using your phone altogether, especially when stopped at a red light. It pays to pull over, completely turn off the engine and remove your keys before using your phone, just in case.
Other driving distractions
Almost anything can be a distraction while driving, however there are some common things that stand out.
Adjusting car settings like your seat position or air conditioning while driving can be distracting, so drivers should choose the right moment and wait until they have completed their journey.
Other passengers in your vehicle can inadvertently divert your attention, so can eating, drinking and roadside billboards.
Obviously, you shouldn’t read or write while driving, even if you are stationary in traffic or at traffic lights.
Getting distracted while stationary in traffic can pose serious risks too, in case you accidentally accelerate or take your foot off the brake.
Drivers are constantly facing distractions on the road, however these tips should help you stay focused and get you to your destination safely.
