Stay focused, stay safe

As we near the end of the year, people often feel tired, under pressure and even burnt out. That’s when distractions creep in most easily, especially on the road. But even a split second of inattention can have serious consequences.

There are four main types of distractions while driving:

• Visual – taking your eyes off the road, whether to check your phone, adjust the radio, or look for something in your bag.
• Manual – taking your hands off the steering wheel. Some people eat, attend to personal grooming, or adjust their clothing while driving.
• Cognitive – letting your mind wander, perhaps daydreaming about your next holiday instead of paying attention to the traffic around you.
• Auditory – noises that take your attention away from the road, such loud music or conversations that make it harder to focus.

The risks are clear. Being distracted can lead to accidents, endangering not only you but everyone around you. There’s another danger many drivers overlook: criminals often rely on distracted drivers, who make easy targets.

So, what steps can you take to prevent distractions and stay safe? Here are practical tips:

• Hands-free isn’t risk-free. It still diverts your thoughts from driving. Rather wait to answer, or if it’s urgent, let a passenger handle it.
• Keep your eyes on the road and be aware of your surroundings. Spotting a car swerving into your lane or a pedestrian stepping out could make all the difference. Staying visibly alert can also deter criminals.
• Programme your GPS, adjust climate controls, and select your music before you start driving. If something drops, don’t reach for it while driving.
• Keep your hands on the wheel. Eat, drink, and attend to personal grooming before or after your trip. Remove a jacket or jersey before you get into the car.
• Buckle in children, secure pets, and limit activity inside the car. Save intense conversations for later.
• Use your ears, not just your eyes. Keep music at a volume that still allows you to hear sirens or other hazards.
• Drive courteously. Avoid rubbernecking or aggressive behaviour.

Staying focused behind the wheel isn’t just about avoiding accidents. It’s about being aware of your surroundings so you can respond quickly if a threat appears. And if the unexpected does happen, subscribing to a tracking service that offers stolen vehicle recovery, crash detection, roadside support, medical assistance and rapid armed response gives you added peace of mind.