Monitoring the habits of eight average drivers, Distracted While Driving highlights the bizarre, comical but ultimately perilous behaviours drivers adopt behind the wheel. For some drivers, the threat of death is enough to ensure concentration, but even those who consider themselves responsible motorists are often putting themselves and others at risk.
These are the weird, dangerous and surprisingly common things drivers should never do...
1. Do not check your phone
‘Mythbuster’s Kari Byron risking her life and the life of some other guy in the pursuit of science. Source: Discovery/Beyond Distribution
2. Do not eat (or steer the car with your feet)
Though it can be tempting to consume a giant fruit platter while lounging in your car like it’s a bed, statistics reveal the common practice of snacking while driving . Legislation but the overarching rule is, if it distracts you from driving or impedes your ability to control the vehicle, it is against the law. (As such, steering with your feet is also not allowed.)
3. Do not transport a load too large for your vehicle
Quite a lot of mattresses. Source: Pixabay
4. Do not apply make-up
Source: YouTube
5. Do not drive a car without wheels (or that is otherwise unsafe)
As my grandfather said on his deathbed, “When driving a car, never underestimate the importance of wheels.” Though a skilled stunt driver can potentially successfully operate a car using fewer wheels than is standard, for most of us this poses a safety hazard. Regular servicing and safety inspections, such as checking your car has its requisite number of wheels, is the best option.
6. Do not drive the car if there is a small child hanging from the bumper
Source: YouTube
7. Under no circumstances allow your dog to drive the car
In an excellent and adorable use of their time, trainers in New Zealand have successfully taught dogs how to drive in an effort to raise awareness for animal shelters. Unfortunately, allowing a dog to drive your car remains ill-advised as most dogs will poke blindly at the controls and/or refuse to drive anywhere but the park.
8. Do not drink and drive
'The Mighty Ducks' pee-wee hockey coach Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez) breaking the law. Source: Walt Disney Pictures
These are far from the only potentially dangerous things people do behind the wheel. Distracted While Driving takes an entertaining look at the dangers of driving without total focus, showcasing hazardous behaviours many viewers will find dangerously relatable. Yet despite the show’s enjoyable approach to the topic, the message is clear – driving while distracted is .
Accordingly, if you feel the need to do something other than drive while at the wheel, wait until it is safe to pull over. And no matter how hard they beg and no matter how much they love car rides, never allow your dog to drive.
Distracted While Driving airs 6.35pm Sunday 10 March on SBS VICELAND and then on SBS On Demand.
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