Driving Blind: The Danger of Looking at Your Phone for Just 2 Seconds

Mobile phones have become such a temptation that leaving them alone for just a few seconds is a tough challenge. As soon as you hear the chime of a notification or the ringtone of a call, the urge to look at the phone, to check it out quickly, is impossible to ignore. However, ignoring the road in favour of your phone, even for a few seconds, can be not just risky but fatal for drivers and others. Whether you’re an experienced driver or a novice taking your first driving lesson, minimising distractions is a must for all drivers. One moment of distraction and things can change forever. That’s why Safer Drivers Course and driving schools emphasise hazard perception and focus while driving. This post explores the dangers of driving distractedly, the impact of looking at your phone even for a few seconds, and how you can avoid temptation and stay focused while driving on the road.

The Hidden Danger Behind the Screen

In other scenarios, checking the phone can be a quick thing – a second here, a tap there doesn’t take away anything from us. But while driving, even a momentary glance away from the road significantly increases the risk of an accident. Your moment of distraction can cause you to miss important signs or critical cues, like a brake light ahead or a pedestrian stepping out. Theoretically, this distraction may delay your reaction to a hazard or problem, but in reality, it can reduce your ability to react at all. A few moments can mean the difference between braking in time or crashing into the car in front of you.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s break it down with some simple math:

• At 60 km/h, you’re covering 16.67 metres every second.
  
  
• Two seconds of looking at your phone equals 33.34 metres travelled without paying attention.
  
  

So basically, if you’re going 60 km/h and you glance at your phone for just 2 seconds, you’ve already travelled over 33 metres without seeing a thing on the road. That’s like driving the length of an Olympic swimming pool, blindfolded. Now imagine if you’re going faster, say at 100 km/h. You’d travel over 55 metres blindly. That’s more than the length of a tennis court – more than enough distance for something to go seriously wrong. That’s why the Safer Drivers Course and other programs offered by Sydney driving schools and other driving institutions focus on teaching young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.

How to Stay Focused Behind the Wheel

Now that you know how important it is to stay focused behind the wheel, here are a few simple strategies you should adopt to remain safe and alert:

1. Use “Do Not Disturb” Mode

Smartphones today are designed for convenience. They have built-in driving modes, or “do not disturb” modes, that silence notifications when turned on. Using these modes while driving can help you avoid temptation and keep your focus on the road.

2. Set Everything Up Before You Go

Other than mobile notifications and calls, some other things that can distract drivers are changing the music, setting up the GPS, or placing a call while driving. If you cannot avoid using these things, you must set them up before leaving for your journey. Set up the GPS, make a playlist of your favourite songs and set it to play, and use Bluetooth calling functionalities if you cannot avoid the call. Remember, once you’re on the road, your only job is to drive.

3. Pull Over If It’s Urgent

Some things cannot be ignored or delayed. So, if you cannot wait to make an urgent call or have to check something on the phone, first pull over safely. It may take a minute more to pull over and park safely on the side of the road, but that extra minute can save lives and keep you safe.

4. Keep Your Hands on the Wheel

Hands on the wheel and eye on the road. It may sound like the basics of driving, but most drivers forget these basics in moments of distraction. Your one conscious decision of staying focused on the road can help you stay safe and prevent serious accidents.

Final Thoughts

Distraction is one of the leading causes of road accidents in NSW, and it doesn’t take much to lose focus today. A fleeting glance, a quick reply, and the risk of accidents increases significantly. Your momentary curiosity is not worth the risk. Driving instructors in Sydney driving school focus on training learners to build good habits early on. Whether you’re booking your first driving lesson or refining your skills with the Safer Drivers Course, driving schools like Onroad Driving Education can help you develop safe driving habits and remain alert and aware on the road. Remember, staying present and focused, and keeping your eyes on the road can go a long way in increasing your safety and making the roads safer for others, too.