Distracted Driving: The Hidden Hazard on Our Roadways

Introduction to the problem of distracted driving and its often-overlooked dangers

The problem of distracted driving is often overlooked. It can be easy to forget how dangerous it can be when we are behind the wheel. We might think that we can handle a text message or a phone call while driving, but the reality is that it only takes a split second of distraction to cause an accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving was responsible for 3,166 deaths in 2017 alone. That's an average of eight people killed every day in the United States because someone was distracted while driving.

There are three main types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive. Distracting sights force drivers to take their gaze off the road. Because you have to take your hands off the wheel to do something else, manual distractions are dangerous. And mental distractions take your mind off of driving. Any one of these can be dangerous, but all three together are a recipe for disaster.

Texting is the most well-known form of distracted driving, but it's far from the only one. Eating, drinking, talking to passengers, fiddling with the radio, checking GPS directions, and even daydreaming can all lead to accidents. You should avoid doing anything else while driving because it could cause you to lose focus.

The best way to avoid being involved in a distracted driving accident is to simply put your phone away and focus on the task at hand: driving safely. 

Examples of distractions while driving

There are many potential distractions while driving, but some of the most common include the following:

• Texting or talking on the phone
  
• Eating or drinking
  
• Fiddling with the radio or other controls in the car
  
• Talking to passengers
  
• Daydreaming or being lost in thought
  
• Rubbernecking (slowing down to look at accidents or other incidents on the side of the road)
  

All these activities take your attention away from driving and can increase your risk of being involved in an accident if you must do any of these things while behind the wheel, pull over to a safe location first.

The impact of distracted driving on crash rates and fatalities

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents and fatalities. In 2016 alone, 3,450 people were killed in distracted driving accidents.

While there are several causes of distracted driving, texting while driving is by far the most prevalent. This is especially dangerous because it takes a driver's eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off of driving.

She was texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than drinking and driving. It's also been shown to delay a driver's reaction time by up to 35%.

In addition to texting, other forms of distracted driving include:

• Talking on the phone.
• Looking at maps or GPS devices.
• Eating or drinking.
• Fiddling with music controls.
• Talking to passengers.

One's safety is put at risk if one's focus is diverted from the road.

Even hands-free devices are not risk-free. Studies have shown that they can still be distracting and lead to accidents. The best way to avoid distractions while behind the wheel is to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Strategies for reducing distractions while driving

There are many strategies that drivers can use to reduce distractions while driving. Some of these strategies include: 

• Keeping your eyes on the road at all times and avoiding objects or scenery that may take your attention away from driving
• Putting away all electronic devices and other potential distractions before starting to drive
• Avoiding multitasking while driving, such as eating, drinking, or talking on the phone
• Planning by mapping out your route before starting to drive and making sure you have everything you need for your trip
• Concentrating on driving and being aware of your surroundings at all times
• Pulling over if you need to attend to something else or if you feel yourself becoming distracted.

Conclusion and call to action for more aware and safer driving practices

As we've seen, distracted driving is a severe problem on our roadways. Drivers need to be more aware of the dangers of distractions and take steps to avoid them.

We can all help make our roads safer by following some simple guidelines:

• Put away your phone and other electronic devices before you get behind the wheel. If you must use them while driving, pull over to a safe location first.
• Avoid eating, drinking, or other activities that take your attention away from driving.
• Focus on driving and be ready to brake suddenly. Focus on the job at hand and ignore everything else.
• Follow the speed limit and drive defensively. Distracted drivers are more likely to get into accidents, so it's essential to be extra cautious when sharing the road with them.
  

If we all do our part to reduce distractions on the road, we can make our highways safer for everyone.