Drivers are typically cautious about taking out their smartphones or spending too much time fiddling with an infotainment system when they're behind the wheel. These simple actions can be incredibly distracting, so many motorists know better than to take part while driving. However, another action that may be even worse for your attention span is driving with children.
According to a new study from the Monash University Accident Research Center, driving with children is 12 times more dangerous than being on a cellphone. Kids frequently have to be placated, and they often demand attention for more than two seconds at a time, which the researchers involved believed to be a potentially dangerous amount of time. In fact, during the average 16-minute drive, parents had their eyes off the road for nearly three and a half minutes. according to The Telegraph.
Passing food or drinks to a child, giving kids a toy, watching children in the rearview mirror and playing with a little passenger were all common actions.
Parents and caregivers will have to do their best to keep their focus on the road to avoid distracted driving scenarios. They can also be sure they are sticking to the recommended scheduled maintenance for a vehicle, which can ensure all safety features are working properly.