Our roads become more unsafe when we take risks.
Some people take obvious risks, like drink driving. More people take risks they think are acceptable, like looking at and using a mobile phone.
International road safety experts were asked about eight risky driving behaviours and how much they increase the chance of a crash for young drivers. Their answers might surprise you.
Which of these two risks do you think are more likely to cause a crash?
When we do something good for our wellbeing our brain rewards us by releasing a chemical called dopamine. This causes the contented, happy feeling you get when something goes right. Like when you get a good result at school or work, or when you have a laugh with friends.
Our phones are full of things just waiting for our brain to reward us. Photos of food we like to eat, music we like to listen to, game achievements and reactions from people we love.
The best way to stop using your phone while driving is to train your brain to respond differently when you feel tempted.
We need to remind ourselves that it’s more important we get home safely than it is to get likes on social media. We need a plan to stay focused and drive in the moment.
When you get behind the wheel of a car, you take your own life and the lives of others into your hands.
We all want to be good drivers, and most of us believe we are. But the truth of the matter is we are not always in control when driving. Focus is key.
We can never be sure the next notification will not capture our attention, causing us to take our eyes off the road longer than we had planned. We also cannot control what other drivers do, and being able to react quickly can be the difference between life and death.
Message apps that make you less aware of what’s happening around you?
Dangerous choice. No message is worth the risk.
Photo apps that take your eyes off the road?
This is risky business. The only picture you should be seeing is the road ahead.
Maps apps that make you fail to see road signs?
Not safe. Stop if you need to check or change your location.
Music apps that make you take longer to brake and longer to stop?
When it comes to music, it’s best to set it, and forget it. You’re supposed to be driving, not being a DJ.
News alerts that make you fail to maintain proper lane position and steady speed?
Be careful! No one should die for a headline.
Social apps that can cause you to tailgate the car in front?
One thing at a time. Right now, driving is your only priority.
We know best intentions don’t always translate into action.
We might plan to turn on ‘do not disturb’ and we want to put the phone in the glove box, but we often don’t. The good news is that research suggests if we have a mental plan ready we can change our behaviour.
Our research-based Plan Builder is designed to help you identify your own dangerous moments of temptation and suggests a number of ways that you can positively respond.
Join the many drivers who’ve trained their brain to choose new reactions and break old habits.
You will be a safer driver for it.
“I will remind myself to call back when I’ve finished driving, instead of answering mum’s call.”