Do Car Ads Create Distracted Drivers?

When out driving, the most important topic is safety. We leave in our vehicles with intentions of making it to or from without any harm to ourselves or others. Unfortunately, this not always the case. One of the top factors today that compromise safety are distracted drivers. But, does this include reading ads on cars?

The government agency distractiondotcom have set out on a crusade to limit the number of traffic crashes related to avoidable distractions. The source lists the following as the most common risk factors:

    Texting
    Using a cell phone or smartphone
    Eating and drinking
    Talking to passengers
    Grooming
    Reading, including maps
    Using a navigation system
    Watching a video
    Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

It also states that "sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent-at 55 mph-of driving the length of an entire football field, blind."

How does this relate to car ads? Well, think about what looking at an ad on someone's vehicle entails. Your looking at something designed specifically to entice you into contacting them about a product or service. The time it may take you to read the entire ad may take longer that 4.6 seconds. Not to mention, your going to probably try to save the contact information some kind of way so you can contact them about the product or service. Even if you don't write or type the information, whatever other means of recording it will still make you a distracted driver. So, you become a candidate for traffic crashes every time you read a car ad while drive.

News Flash, car ads are not meant to be read by drivers! Just as all the other things on the above list can be performed while the car is sitting still, so can reading car ads. Don't get me wrong, just because your operating a vehicle doesn't mean your not being targeted by the ad. Just keep safety as a priority and read them when your vehicle is parked or stopped. Avoid traffic crashes by driving responsible.

If you find yourself interested in reading more of an ad, try to pull on side of the vehicle at a stop sign or red light. I'm sure if you get the drivers attention, he or she won't mind getting you any information you need on the product or service. Drive safely, don't be a distracted driver, and avoid traffic crashes.