What would your answer be if I were to ask you, Which one of your five senses is most important to the task of driving?
Most of us would agree that sight is obviously the most important. But consider the others. How about sound the ability to hear an oncoming ambulance? Or what about touch the way your car feels on an icy roadway? Or how about even smell the ability to detect fumes from your hot brakes when descending a mountain pass?
The fact is that most all of our senses, except maybe the sense of taste, play important roles in the task of driving. Unfortunately so many other things like cell phones, radios, children in the back seat, something interesting alongside the road, etc., compete for the attentions of our senses. Distracted driving is believed to be a contributing factor in about 80 percent of crashes today, so its imperative that you keep all of your senses focused on the important task of moving your car safely down the road. Remember, nothing in or around your car is as important as your safety.
Troopers Tips is presented by the Colorado State Patrol. Laws may vary from state to state. If you have a question or a topic youd like discussed, please e-mail Trooper Wiersma at wiersmacsp@hotmail.com.