Hi Folks…

Ever heard of the expression – ‘driving
on auto pilot’?

Typically, it refers to when someone
can’t recall what happened on a drive, particularly on a familiar route such as
between home and work.

According to research by the UK based
AA, one-in-seven drivers (about 15%) are likely to go into autopilot and forget
the last few moments of their journey.

Twenty-four percent of 25-34 year olds
were most likely to tune out making them the most affected age group followed
by 18-24 year olds at 21% and 55-64 year olds at 14%. Perhaps surprisingly, the
over-65s were the least likely with only 9% admitting this had happened to
them. 

Female drivers (17%) are more likely to
admit to motoring memory blanks than male drivers (13%) and 31% of men are
adamant they never forget.

According to the AA there may be many
reasons for this, including being distracted by phone or passenger
conversations, being engrossed in music or radio discussions or possibly just
day dreaming.

While the “introduction” of driverless
cars in the future could minimise such actions drivers should be more alert
behind the wheel and whilst there are no Thought Police - policing what can’t
and shouldn’t stop drivers from thinking - the number one priority whilst
behind the wheel should be concentration on the road ahead.

Till next time remember – when you
drive, be in the moment and focus on the task at hand, particularly when
driving familiar routes.