While being drunk and high are the most obvious reasons to not get behind a wheel, there are other more subtle reasons to avoid driving. Your emotional state for one. As humans, we’re driven by emotions and as much as you may or may not like to admit it, emotions influence our behaviour. Especially driving.
Had a bad breakup or just got out of a fight?
- You’ll drive recklessly and may take unnecessary risks
- Your tear-filled eyes will blur your vision and you can’t see the road
- You just can’t concentrate and the inability to be alert can result in an accident
Freaking out about an exam or job interview?
- Sweaty palms and stiff muscles result in jerky driving
- If you’re shaking and jittery, your drive won’t be smooth
- Your concentration will drop and your reaction time is hindered
Sleep deprived or just plain tired?
- Driving with sleep deprivation can be as bad as driving drunk. You’ll swerve all over the road and won’t have full control over your vehicle
- Exhaustion can result in micro naps on the road (a split second nod off) and you can crash into a person, object or other vehicle
- Your brain activity slows down, as does your concentration, alertness and reaction time
When you shouldn’t drive is about more than just taking illegal substance at the wrong time. You can crash from natural causes too. Be smart. Know when not to drive.
