February's Safe Driving Skill: Stay focused

Let's save lives this year! In 2012, we're sharing 12 tips (one a month) to help people become safer drivers.
Transport Canada reported that, in 2009, there were over 124,000 collisions on Canadian roads that resulted in injury or death. That is too many collisions and there's such an easy solution! We can all drive safer. Unfortunately, life gets in the way and it's too easy to become distracted or stressed out while driving – which can diminish our ability to act and react with caution.

Last month we covered the important skill of maintaining a safe speed. In February, work on staying focused while you drive.

There are so many things vying for our attention when we drive: Our kids are asking for things, our spouses are chatting with us, our cell phone is ringing, the radio is playing a great song. Of course, there are lots of things going on in our lives that are at the forefront of our minds, too: That conflict with our co-worker; that raise we really want; the chores we have to do to keep our home maintained; the many tasks we have for work; our credit card bill; our family responsibilities… they all crowd out what little attention we have to give.

With all of that going on, it's no wonder that the things going on around our vehicles get pushed aside. But remember: We are hurtling down the road in a steel cage at a speed that can seriously damage, injure, or even kill anything we strike. Doesn't it make sense for us to momentarily push aside those distracting thoughts and instead point our focus toward the road ahead?

Here are some tips to help:

1. If you are really stressed, don't get into the car to drive. Take a moment to relax and distress with a quick walk.
2. If you have a lot of things on your mind, write them down on a piece of paper and put the paper into your pocket. When you get to your destination, you can take out the paper and handle those things but thinking about them while you drive is just dangerous.
3. Turn off your cell phone!
4. If there is a serious distraction – for example, the kids' behavior gets out of hand – pull the car over to deal with it. Glaring at your kids through the rear view mirror isn't safe discipline!
5. Develop the habit to keep reminding yourself of your surroundings. Rather than driving on autopilot and letting your subconscious drive, maintain a running commentary about what you're doing to keep you focused.

Safe driving benefits everyone. It's one of those things that just makes sense. This February, commit to driving with greater focus!