Did you know that a 2009 study revealed that 71% of large-vehicle crashes happened when the driver was engaged in activities unrelated to driving? This statistic highlights a significant safety issue on our roads: distracted driving.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the primary task of operating the vehicle. This can be due to various activities, including:
- Phone Calls: Taking or making calls while driving can divert attention and reduce reaction times.
- Texting: Reading or sending text messages while driving is extremely hazardous. It requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention, all of which compromise safe driving.
- Using Dispatching Services: Engaging with dispatch systems or apps can lead to distraction, especially if the interface is complex or requires significant interaction.
- Eating and Drinking: Consuming food or beverages can take your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Reading and Billboards: Trying to read road signs, advertisements, or billboards can divert your focus from driving.
- GPS Navigation: Inputting destinations or adjusting settings on your GPS can cause you to lose focus on the road.
- Adjusting Radio or Comfort Controls: Tuning the radio or changing climate settings can divert your attention from driving.
Even brief distractions can be dangerous. For instance, if you’re driving at 55 mph and take your eyes off the road for just 5 seconds to send a text message, you’ve traveled the length of a football field without looking at the road. This distance is significant enough to lead to serious accidents.
Stay Focused While Driving: Key Tips
- Minimize External Distractions: Keep your focus on driving by avoiding distractions outside your vehicle. This includes not reacting to roadside attractions or other non-driving-related stimuli.
- Avoid Texting: Texting while driving is illegal for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and is highly risky for all drivers. A 2009 study found that texting while driving increased the likelihood of being involved in a crash by 23 times compared to non-texting drivers.
- Pause for Calls: To avoid distractions, pull over safely before making or receiving phone calls. Many companies implement policies to restrict the use of dispatching devices while driving due to the increased risk of crashes. Devices such as phones, laptops, tablets, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) should be used with caution, and their features should be locked out while the vehicle is in motion if possible.
- Avoid Phone Use: If a phone call is necessary, find a safe location to stop and make the call. Keeping conversations brief and minimizing phone use can help maintain focus on driving.
- Refrain from Eating and Drinking: Eating or drinking while driving can lead to distractions as it takes at least one hand off the wheel and diverts your attention. It’s safer to eat and drink before starting your drive or to pull over safely if you need to consume food or beverages.
By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to safer roads for everyone. Remember, staying focused on the task of driving is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road.