14. DISTRACTIONS.
'THE BEST DRIVER IS HE WHO DRIVERS ALONE'.
It is a fact that any driver always will give a better performance behind the wheel of a car when he or she is alone. Simply explained, a driver, by himself, is not distracted. Because a motor vehicle is as dangerous as a gun, it is important keeping your head still when aiming your car in the desired direction; forward vision is improved by keeping your face vertical to the ground. Restrain your chin from flying in the air, keep it close to your chest. If a driver has a passenger obviously the driver's head will not stay still. Steering your vehicle is merely 'pushing and pulling', which always gives the best results. If a driver is smoking or using a 'phone he is distracted and dangerous. If headlights are ablaze, during the day, this is a distraction together with a temporary 30 mph sign, displayed at the side of the road, when easily 70 mph is comfortable. It is crying 'wolf, wolf'. In short, driving a car must be 'economy of effort' at all times, producing the best and optimum results not only in performance but, also, in pleasure.
It is not difficult recognising a 'duffer' on the road. Stickers and parking tickets stuck to the windows; souvenirs dangling; telephone aerial advertising a dis-organised life style - all these distractions dilute a driver's ability whilst handling a car correctly.
Already the importance of suitable driving-shoes has been stressed indeed the correct clothing is most important including, we remember, the correct position of the seat. If the seat is useless, it is impossible conducting safely your car on the road.
Especially if it is raining, burning head lights are a distraction of great concern. Immediately, the light removes the ability assessing the speed of a vehicle and the dazzle reduces eye sight efficiency. Trying to educate people on this subject is difficult. They appear to be ignorant on this subject and reluctant to understand the danger.
A cruise control is a doubtful feature because the contact minimal pressure and ease of the foot, on the accelerator pedal, assist a driver's concentration.
Gadgets can dilute a driver's responsibilities. There can never be a better substitute for a driver 'opening' his eyes rather than relying upon sensors; any driver relying upon technology will quickly become a zombie.
'A driver who is driving well has little time for the scenery'.