What Is Distracted Driving?

​Distracted driving is harmful, claiming the lives of 3,142 people in 2020. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration leads the effort to save lives. This article will discuss the dangers of distracted driving. Continue reading.

What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention away from driving, such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, and conversing with passengers. It may also include fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system.
 
The most dangerous distraction is texting. Sending or reading a text message pulls your attention away from the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
 
You cannot safely drive unless you give your whole attention to the task of driving. Any non-driving activity is a possible distraction and raises your chances of an accident.

Three Main Types of Distraction
Distractions are anything that diverts your focus away from driving. And each of these distractions has the potential to endanger you, your passengers, and others on the road.

Visual Distraction
Drivers get distracted when their eyes are taken off the road. Reading emails or text messages, concentrating on car occupants, gazing at maps or navigation systems, and monitoring neighboring activity are all instances of visual distractions while driving.

Manual Distraction
Drivers who are distracted remove their hands from the driving wheel. Texting, changing the radio, configuring navigation systems, eating, drinking, or doing personal grooming activities are all instances of manual distractions.

Cognitive Distractions
These distractions are caused by motorists taking their attention away from the road. Talking on the phone, interacting with car passengers, and thinking while driving are cognitive distractions.

Safety Checklist
Here are a few tips to help you stay focused and minimize driver distraction:

1. Notify your passengers when their actions are distracting you. When other riders become distracted, assist the driver by speaking out.
2. Keep an eye on the road as a passenger to aid the driver. It would also assist if you dealt with any diversions in the car.
3. Instead of snacking while driving, take a short break before getting in the car.
4. Before driving, make modifications to your seat or mirrors.
5. Make a playlist and start listening to music before you start driving. Make sure you choose tunes that will improve your mood and attention.
6. If you believe you might be tempted to call, text, or check social media while driving, turn off your phone or set it to Do Not Disturb or Driving mode and place it in the boot or back seat.
   
   

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