Distracted driving is a deadly behaviour, and contributes to 16% of all fatal crashes, leading to around 5,000 deaths every year in the U.S (source: AAA)
It is vitally important that drivers are educated about avoiding distractions, and by creating awareness about how mental and physical distractions impair driving we can eliminate these needless deaths.
Driving a car requires your full attention, and while some distractions can’t be eliminated you can manage some that are impossible to avoid.
Three out of four drivers believe using hands-free technology in cars is safe. However, it increases mental distractions and causes drivers to miss pedestrian crossings, traffic signals and other vehicles as they are focused on the voice-recognition technology (source: AAA).
Twelve states in the U.S. have made it illegal to use cell phones while driving, whereas 43 states have banned texting while driving. This video shows how using your cell phone when driving can lead to disastrous consequences
People have made poor decisions to send emails, update their Facebook profiles and send tweets while driving. The most high-risk driver groups for sending text messages while driving are teens and young people.
In 2014, the National Safety Council has estimated that over 850,000 crashes have involved drivers using their cell phones or texting while driving.
In fact, those numbers may be too low, due to the continued rise in unreported cell phone use behind the wheel as drivers upgrade technology to hands-free options.
Research has proven however, that Apple’s Siri is a major cause of distraction with voice-recognition technology (source: AAA)
A brief distraction can be fatal
Any activity that causes you to divert your attention from driving is a distraction.
Distractions when driving can cause you to avert your eyes off the road, alter your speed or momentarily take your hands off the steering wheel.
In a split second, you could change lanes, hit pedestrians, collide with other vehicles or swerve off the road.
Tips to avoid or manage distractions
It isn’t just cell phones that cause distractions. Here are suggestions to avoid or manage some of the most common distractions when driving:
Eating and drinking
Eat before or after your trip, drivers are notorious for eating breakfast during the morning rush-hour. Avoid hot drinks or messy foods while driving in case of spillages.
Music
Adjust your music settings to a reasonable volume, and select your music for the entire journey so you don’t have to change your radio/CD/iPod. If you need to change music, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place.
DVD players
Avoid changing DVD’s when driving. If you have passengers, ask them to help so you can concentrate on driving.
Reading
If you need directions from maps, stop your car safely to find out the information and then continue your trip. Don’t read books, magazines or e-readers while driving.
Mirror ornaments
Fluffy dice and cuddly toy key rings may look cute, but make sure hanging mirror ornaments don’t distract your attention or block your vision.
Personal grooming
Apply your makeup, finish shaving or dress before you leave home.
Children / animals
Secure children and animals before driving. If they need anything during your journey, stop safely to attend to them instead of reaching in the back seat to assist.
Loose objects
Secure any loose objects or possessions to avoid you reaching onto the floor to stop them moving around your car.
All drivers can take steps to avoid distractions as the consequences are too great.
