Most of us tend to feel that we are pretty safe drivers, when in fact we are just one distraction away from a car accident. An accident which would in fact be our own fault.
At the Insurance Bureau of Canada Exhibit at Retrofest people got a chance to drive the (Distractions Undermining Motorist Behaviour) D.U.M.B. car which uses a simulator to test motor vehicle drivers reactions to everyday distractions. Things that we don’t even think about but DO while driving.
The test has drivers merge onto a major highway then the Student Ambassadors with the Insurance Bureau ask questions and provide the various distractions such as opening a water bottle, counting change, reading road maps and glancing at other literature while driving and talking. A cell phone was also in the car so that an ambassador could call the driver.
At highway speeds the simulator is unforgiving as it catches one after another of your driving mistakes and in most cases the accident you just created.
Dave Palmer and Cheryl Johnstone, the morning team from 92.9 Country Music were willing to take on the challenge. Dave’s test ended after he rear ended another driver. Cheryl spun out and clipped the guard rail after she hit someone and then was hit by someone else.
Both are on well deserved holidays this week so it may have been the preparation thoughts that were the first distractions they had. Pets, packing, and reservations – “Are they all in place and taken care of?”
Cheryl wouldn’t think of talking on her cell phone while driving in her own car, but did answer the call in the DUMB car cell phone.
Since most of us will be hitting the road as we go on holidays here are a few tips to make your driving a little safer this summer.
1. Read and understand the directions before getting in your car.
2. Pull over to the side of the road if you need to make a call or check a message, deal with another passenger eat or drink.
3. Make sure that everyone knows that for safety reasons you will no longer answer calls and will not respond to text messages while you are driving. In fact, it is best turn these devices off when you get into a car. For other safe driving tips visit www.ibc.ca
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