What Factors Affect Your Ability To Drive Safely
Driving safely is an essential skill that not everyone possesses. It requires a combination of knowledge, awareness, and experience. Many factors can affect your ability to drive safely, including physical and mental factors, drinking, driving experience, and sleep deprivation.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced driver behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, understanding these safety issues can significantly reduce the risk of accidents on the road.
Factors That Affect Your Driving Ability
1. Adverse Health Conditions
Maintaining good physical and mental health is crucial to safe driving. Physical conditions such as vision, hearing problems, and fatigue strongly impact your ability to drive safely. Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders equally contribute to several accidents in Australia.
2. Alcohol and Drugs
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can drastically impact your ability to drive safely. Alcohol and drug use can radically affect reaction times, coordination, and perception of time and distance, which are essential for driving. Even experienced drivers are advised not to drive when under the influence as it can lead to risky driving and harmful consequences such as motor vehicle accidents, injury, or death.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have consumed drugs or alcohol that affect your driving, it is best to avoid getting behind the wheel entirely and instead call a friend or taxi service.
3. Distractions While Driving
Driving distractions can be as hazardous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Distractions are activities that take your mind and focus off the road. Common driving distractions include texting, eating, drinking, talking on a cell phone, and even talking to other passengers in the car.
Distractions can significantly impact your ability to drive safely as they reduce reaction times and impede your ability to recognise hazards. To avoid distractions while driving and ensure safe driving conditions on the road:
- Put away all electronic devices or turn them off
- Avoid eating and drinking
- Keep conversations with other passengers minimal
- Be aware of any side effects from medications that may affect your ability to drive
- If you feel too distracted or sleepy, pull over at a safe place and stop driving
4. Weather conditions
Weather conditions can have a dramatic impact on your ability to drive safely. Unfavourable conditions can make it difficult to see, reduce traction, and significantly affect your reaction time.
It’s important to factor in weather conditions when deciding whether or not it’s safe for you to drive. This will help ensure you stay safe while driving in different weather scenarios.
LTrent Will Help You Develop the Driving Skills You Need
Practising safe driving is more than just knowing the rules of the road – it involves understanding how certain factors can affect your ability to drive safely. At LTrent Driving School, we are dedicated to teaching you the essential skills required for safe driving. Our lessons cover all aspects of safe driving, from understanding road rules to identifying potential risks in any given driving situation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you gain more than 20 logbook hours with our Safer Driver Course.