We live in a world that’s full of distractions; from overstimulating news cycles to addicting social media apps. It’s only human that we’re pulled in many directions at once. Unfortunately, this multi-tasking lifestyle often bleeds over to when we get behind the wheel.
In America, distracted driving is a consistent issue that can cause major accidents. Recent distracted driving stats from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that visual or manual diversions were linked to nearly 3,500 fatalities in 2022. With such staggering numbers, it’s clear that maintaining focus while driving is crucial for everyone’s safety. Here we’ll discuss the dangers of distracted driving and ways to curb this all-too-common behavior.
Types of distracted driving
Distracted driving is more than answering a text, it encompasses a wide range of activities that take away attention from driving. It can be classified into three main categories:
- Visual distractions: Anything that takes your eyes off the road.
- Manual distractions: Anything that takes your hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive distractions: Anything that takes your mind off driving.
Understanding these categories can help you eliminate potentially dangerous activities when you get behind the wheel.
The ten most dangerous driving distractions
Though there are many actions that count as driving distractions, there are a few all drivers should know about as the most consequential. Drivers who can familiarize themselves with these risky behaviors can better spot and eliminate these dangers in real-time.
- Cellphone use: It’s no surprise that operating a cellphone is an incredibly common reason for distracted driving. The consequences of texting and driving are numerous because it involves all three types of distraction: your eyes, hands, and brain. Even talking on the phone, whether handheld or hands-free, can divert your attention and increase the risk of a crash. With smartphones, scrolling through social media or using apps while driving is also a serious distraction and should only be operated when parked.
- Eating and drinking: Handling food and drinks while driving can be both distracting and messy. Balancing a burger or fries with one hand while trying to steer with the other is not just awkward, it’s dangerous. Spills from drinks can further complicate matters by creating a mess that requires immediate attention which pulls focus away from the road. Though rushing to work and eating a breakfast sandwich is a common occurrence, it’s best to wait until you’ve arrived at your destination.
- Talking to passengers: Engaging in deep conversations with passengers can be a significant distraction. While chatting with friends or family might seem harmless, intense discussions can divert your mental focus from driving. Similarly, turning to look at people in the backseat takes your eyes off the road and can lead to dangerous situations.
- Adjusting controls and car gadgets: Modern vehicles come equipped with various gadgets and controls that can be a source of distraction. Changing radio stations or playlists, adjusting climate controls, and setting up navigation systems are all activities that can take your focus away from driving. Ensuring these settings are completed before you start your trip can help minimize distractions.
- Grooming: Applying makeup or brushing your hair while driving might seem like harmless multitasking, but it can be risky. Focusing on your appearance while driving diverts your eyes from the road and increases the risk of an accident.
- Smoking: Handling a cigarette while driving can be distracting in multiple ways. Lighting up, managing the cigarette, and dealing with ash can all take your attention away from the road. Additionally, the smell and potential for burning something inside your vehicle add another hazardous layer.
- Moving objects: Pets and bugs can be unexpected sources of distraction. An unrestrained pet can roam around the car and cause disruptions, while swatting at bugs can lead to erratic driving. It’s important to ensure that pets are secured before driving. If a pesky bug gets into your vehicle while on the road, pull over to a safe spot before trying to capture or release it.
- Rubbernecking: We’ve all been guilty of it—looking at accidents or other roadside incidents while driving. Though it’s human nature to be curious, staring at something off the road can divert your attention and slow down traffic, increasing the risk of further accidents.
- Daydreaming or falling asleep: Allowing your mind to wander or, worse, falling asleep at the wheel, are extremely dangerous. Both can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle. Ensuring you’re well-rested before driving is crucial to prevent your eyes or brain from wandering.
- Reaching for objects: Whether it’s a purse, wallet, sunglasses, or water bottle that has fallen on the floor, reaching for items inside the car can be dangerous. It’s best to organize your essentials and place needed objects close by before driving to limit distractions while you’re on the road.
Consequences of distracted driving
A bit of texting and hair brushing here and there may seem inconsequential, but distracted driving can end up with severe outcomes resulting in significant injuries, vehicle damage, or even fatalities.
Beyond the immediate impact on those involved, there are legal and monetary repercussions, including fines and penalties, which can add financial strain. Those who drive under the influence can receive significant fines and license suspensions. The emotional and financial consequences caused by distracted driving aren’t worth it.
How to reduce distractions while driving
Though many of us strive to be attentive drivers, eliminating distractions in a busy world can be difficult. Here are some helpful and practical steps that can help you minimize disturbances while driving from point A to point B:
- Plan ahead: Before you start your drive, set your GPS directions, adjust your mirrors and seats, and choose your music or radio station. Finish eating and applying any makeup before starting the car. Make sure pets and children are properly secured and set up any necessary apps or devices before you begin driving. Taking a few minutes to get your necessities in order will make a significant difference in reducing distractions while on the road.
- Use technology wisely: If you have a smartphone, enabling a “do not disturb” function can help stop incoming calls or messages. If you need to use your phone for navigation, consider getting a phone mount so you can operate your device without looking away from the road. Hand-free devices can make a significant difference for any phone distractions.
- Stay focused: If you have a hard time talking and driving, keep conversations with your passengers brief, and avoid deep discussions. Reducing multitasking can help you concentrate on the task at hand.
- Pull over when necessary: If you need to handle something urgent or take a break, there’s nothing wrong with stopping and pulling over. Knowing when to stop your vehicle is an important part of road safety and will help you remain undistracted when you're back on the road. If you’re on a long road trip, take regular breaks and bathroom visits to stay comfortable and alert.
Keeping our roads safe requires everyone’s attention and commitment. Safe driving not only helps minimize accidents but save lives.
Though all drivers should commit to focusing while driving, accidents can still happen. It’s important to have the right insurance that can help cover your car during an incident. Safe driving can also help maintain lower auto insurance premiums. Contact an agent at Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. to ask about road safety or for a free quote at 1-855-478-3705.