According to experts, this wandering can be related to an excess of confidence and knowledge of the route, tiredness or worries, but it is not the only distraction for which drivers stop paying attention when driving: the use of the cell phone continues to be one of the main distractions. According to various studies by public and private bodies, the use of mobile phones is a factor that multiplies by four the risk of accidents. While talking on the phone, even in “hands-free” mode, the ability to concentrate needed to drive is lost, a constant speed is not maintained, the distance from the vehicle ahead is insufficient, and the reaction time increases by between half and two seconds, depending on the driver.
The Fight for Life Association details that in a minute and a half of talking on the mobile the driver does not perceive 40% of the signals, their average speed drops by 12%, and the heart rate accelerates sharply during the call. In addition, the danger due to its inappropriate use can be comparable to driving with excess alcohol.
On the other hand, and according to a report from the Road Observatory of the National Road Safety Agency (ANSV) of 2021, 16.8 percent of drivers of vehicles four-wheelers in Argentina present at least one distraction factor when driving, and despite being prohibited by the National Traffic Law 24,449, the main cause is the use of the cell phonethe main factor in 9.4 percent of distracted drivers.
In said document, the state agency also highlights that, in addition to the cell phone, the main distractions among drivers of this type of vehicle are: smoking (3.2%), eating or drinking (1.9%) and carrying objects on oneself or in the hands (1.4%).
According to the profile of distracted drivers, women represent 20.2 percent and men 16.1. The age range is led by young people between 18 and 35 years old (21.5%), followed by people between 36 and 49 years old (16.5%). The largest number of distracted drivers is found in Patagonia (22.5%), followed by AMBA (18%) and the Pampas region (16.8%). As for motorcycles, drivers who present at least one distraction factor are 10.5% and the main distractions are: transporting objects (7.1%), cell phones (2%) and smoking (0.8%). ).
Although the use of the cell phone leads the ranking of distractions behind the wheel, because this increases the possibility of having an accident up to ten times, there are others linked to different fields:
– Visual: look away, get lost looking at posters, advertisements, etc.
– Cognitive: divert the thought towards a conversation.
– Physical: when a driver manipulates an object that prevents him from keeping his hands on the wheel.
– Auditory: playing loud music affects the perception of the environment. It makes it difficult to be alert in the presence of an ambulance or a patrol car.
Worrying figures:
According to recent data from the National Security Agency vial (ANSV), the statistics of accident rate for the first quarter of the year 2022 are still worrying. In total they died 1,339 people; four out of 10 were motorcyclists, mostly (75%) men and under 35 years of age.
Since ATM Insurance, A leading company in the motorcycle insurance market and in constant growth in the car sector, they highlighted that the maximum recommendation is always that the driver be 100% attentive during each journey. “The task of driving a vehicle requires permanent attention and if you have to drive, you must do it without being aware of other activities,” he assured. Eugenio MuerzaCommercial Manager of the insurer.
“Distractions, internal or external, lead us to carry out unexpected and dangerous maneuvers that directly affect all the actors who are in constant interaction on public roads. For this reason, before driving any vehicle, be it a car, motorcycle, bicycle or even a skateboard, it is necessary to be aware of and responsible for the actions that we are going to carry out throughout the journey,” he argued. eat.
Along these lines, he advised: “If you are going to go out on the road or you are going to drive in short stretches, it is essential to be in an optimal physical and mental state, rested; in this way, you will avoid stressful situations that distract you and cause those mental wanderings that threaten road safety”.
Tips for safe driving:
- Turn off or silence your cell phone when driving: you will avoid losing concentration.
- Adjust the security systems before starting and keep both hands on the wheel.
- Do not smoke or eat food or drink while driving.
- Children must travel with the corresponding CRS (Child Restraint Systems) and the occupants with the seat belt fastened.
- Always leave on time and plan the route you are going to take every time you start a trip.
Source: Ambito
