We all know how risky texting while driving can be, but it’s not the only kind of distracted driving that can have dangerous consequences.
In response to concerns over the swarm of new technology in today’s cars, the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have released a set of voluntary guidelines for automobile manufacturers to help limit dangerous distracted driving practices.
While these guidelines are directed towards auto manufacturers, we at DCH Kay Honda think that these recommendations can be useful for drivers, too.
Keep your eyes on the road
The NHTSA suggests that vehicle makers limit the amount of time that drivers have to take their eyes off the road to use certain functions on electronic features. The recommended time limit is two seconds at a time for a total of 12 seconds. To stay safe while driving, try to limit the amount of time you spend fiddling with your car’s gadgets so you can keep your eyes on the road.
Don’t use certain features while your vehicle is in motion
The NHTSA also recommends that automobile makers program certain features to automatically disable when the car is in motion, such as internet browsing functions, video content, and social media. If your current vehicle has these types of features or others that might be too complicated to use while driving, consider pulling over and stopping in a safe place before using them.
The take away for drivers is that while in-vehicle technology can be convenient, it can also pose risks if not used safely. Help decrease your chances of getting in an accident and avoid being a distracted driver by exercising caution when using these features.
If you’d like to learn more about the dangers of distracted driving, the NHTSA has several resources available on their website. And be sure to check out the DCH Kay Honda Facebook page and let us know how you stay safe on the road.
