We’ve all heard the stories about accidents caused because someone was texting while driving. With modern communication devices, we’ve become accustomed to a world where we are always accessible by phone. The problem is that we need to remind ourselves that, just because our phone has beeped, whistled or played the theme song from “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” doesn’t mean we have to answer immediately.

But safe driving really goes beyond letting the phone buzz that you have an incoming call or text message. Safe driving means paying attention.

Motorcycle riders often make better drivers because they learn to pay attention while they ride. It becomes habit forming and carries into their driving when they get behind the wheel of a car. Even motorcycle safety courses emphasize the need to scan the road ahead, with your eyes on a constantly moving swivel, not just to see what’s happening but to anticipate what might happen.

A motorcycle rider is more apt to notice the kids playing ball near the street and think, “If that boy misses a throw, will he run into the street without looking?” They observe the lady rushing out to her car and realize, there’s always a chance, she’ll back out of the driveway at the wrong time.

Anticipating potential accident-causing situations allows time for adjustments to avoid the accident. The driver can slow down a little bit or move his or her vehicle away from a possible problem.

The reality is that it’s almost impossible to anticipate an accident while texting. Almost all accidents occur unexpectedly.  Preparing for the unexpected and texting just don’t go together.

Here at Performance Unlimited, we wish you all safe and happy travels. For more information about Performance Unlimited, visit: www.4performanceunlimited.com.