Danger in Distraction
Contributed by Debra McGhan
I realized, well after the fact, that I’d failed to follow protocol when I got distracted. That momentary lapse of attention came at a heavy price and taught me that even the best-laid plans can go awry when unplanned influences pull our focus away.
After placing a one-gallon jug of water on a bench in my motorhome’s bathroom, a knock at the door diverted my attention. I focused on my visitors and completely forgot to move the jug to the floor. Following an enjoyable visit, I realized I was running behind schedule and rushed to get on the road.
As I merged into traffic, I heard a loud thud behind me. With no option but to concentrate fully on the road ahead, I ignored the sound. When I finally pulled off, I discovered the entire floor of my coach covered with water—that’s when I remembered the jug in the bathroom. Fortunately, this lapse in attention resulted in only a minor inconvenience.
Then there was the day my friend and I left Arctic Man near Paxson at the end of a week of festivities. Caught up in farewells, we skipped one crucial step: checking the trailer hitch. Cruising down Richardson Highway at 60 mph, our trailer suddenly popped off and clattered on the pavement, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic accident. After repairing the damage and reattaching the trailer, we exchanged a look that said it all: we’d just dodged a bullet.
That incident could have sparked a massive pile-up with injuries and destruction—only sheer luck and perfect timing saved us. Not all distractions end so lightly.
In April 2009, two brothers headed for Hatcher Pass to enjoy an afternoon of snowboarding. In their rush for adventure, they overlooked one critical detail—proper clothing. When dark clouds rolled in, temperatures plummeted, and snow began to fall, the brothers became disoriented and got lost in the flat light. While one set off in search of help, the other succumbed to the bitter cold. This devastating incident proved that in the wilderness, a split-second lapse in attention can be fatal.
Mike Buck, Executive Director of Alaska Safe Riders, puts it bluntly: “It’s absolutely critical to follow protocol. A simple checklist can mean the difference between life and death.”
When you’re focused, you’re more likely to remember important details and complete tasks accurately. Distractions often lead to mistakes or omissions that may have significant consequences—especially in high-stakes situations. A focused mind processes information faster, works more efficiently, and allows you to evaluate situations thoroughly to make informed decisions.
Whether you’re operating machinery, driving a snowmobile, or packing for an adventure, distractions can be dangerous. Staying focused is essential not only for your safety but also for the safety of those around you. By keeping distractions at bay, you improve your ability to perform tasks accurately, make better decisions, retain important information, and reduce stress and potential risks. In our fast-paced world, one distracted moment can change everything.
To learn more or sign up for training, check out https://alaskasaferiders.org