Distracted Driving

As a young driver, having lost a friend in a fatal car accident and survived a collision with an 18-wheel truck, I confess that I still have to take measures to mitigate distractions while driving. Distractions during driving can be extremely dangerous and significantly increase the risk of accidents. There are various types of distractions that can divert a driver’s attention away from the road. Everything from finishing a meal, to operating mobile devices, to personal grooming can directly increase the risk of accidents, especially for young drivers. These seemingly harmless activities can pose potential harm to oneself and others on the road.

Being new to driving can be excited, especially for young men. The opportunity to experience freedom and exercise to control or full abandonment can become addictive and create a breeding place for dangerous habits and irresponsible behavior. I mentioned losing a friend to a fatal car accident, an accident that could have been avoided. Chris was a scholar athlete and a senior in high school. He had a reputation for driving fast and not liking to stop at lights. No one knows all the details of what happened that night, but we know that he lost control of his vehicle, killed a pedestrian, killed and himself. One of the things that I believe we do not consider is our age, and that one element is what may dictate how we handle the distractions.

Ask yourself the following questions. Have you ever driven while: texting, calling, or using social media; programming a GPS or adjusting navigation settings; eating a meal or sipping coffee; combing your hair? If you answered yes, you have been distracted and you have taken your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the task of driving. Let’s look at the most common distractions and their impact.

1. Texting while driving must be one of the biggest distractions for a driver. It involves visual, cognitive, and manual attention being taken away from driving simultaneously, making it extremely hazardous. Navigation systems can cause visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, making it difficult for the driver to concentrate on driving safely.

2. Trying to eat or drink while driving requires taking one hand off the wheel and can lead to spills, taking the driver’s focus away from the road.

Interacting with passengers, especially in intense conversations, can divert a driver’s attention and affect their ability to focus on the road.

3. Activities like applying makeup, combing hair, or adjusting mirrors while driving can cause significant distractions.

4. This includes looking at billboards, advertisements, or accidents on the roadside, taking attention away from driving.

5. Inattentiveness due to daydreaming or being preoccupied with other thoughts can reduce a driver’s reaction time and awareness.

6. Trying to adjust the radio, climate controls, or other vehicle settings can be distracting if done while driving.

7. Drinking or consuming alcohol or drugs are a major distraction that significantly increases risks of danger.

Having been in collision with a vehicle I know first-hand that it only takes a second to happen. The distraction does not have to be large to end up in an accident. When the driver of the 18-wheel truck hit the vehicle, I was in, he had lost his focus. Whatever the distraction, the result was the impact.

When we are distracted, our attention is diverted from the primary task of driving. This can lead to missing important cues, such as traffic signals, road signs, or other vehicles, making it more likely to cause or be involved in an accident. Reaching for something, texting, browsing the internet, or adjusting the radio while driving can delay a driver’s reaction time to unexpected events on the road, such as sudden braking or pedestrians crossing. Being distracted while driving affects our ability to assess the situation accurately due to their divided attention. When we are distracted, it is not uncommon to unintentionally veer out of their lanes or fail to maintain a consistent speed, leading to a loss of vehicle control. The impacts are numerous and can include emotional, physical, financial, legal and life consequences.

To prevent accidents and ensure safety on the road, we have to remain focused and avoid engaging in activities that take their attention away from driving. This includes not using handheld mobile devices, eating, grooming, or engaging in any other distracting activities while behind the wheel. It is better to pull over in a safe location if any necessary tasks need attention rather than trying to multitask while driving. We must work to break habits that we have developed.

To minimize distractions and ensure safe driving, it is essential to practice good habits. We must make our safety a priority for ourselves and commit to new habits. Practices like using the hands-free feature to use your mobile device if your vehicle is equipped with one, or simply not using mobile devices while driving; pulling over to a safe location if you need to make a call or send a text; setting up your GPS or navigation system before starting the journey; finishing food or drinks before you begin driving; encouraging passengers to stay calm and not engage in activities that may distract the driver; staying focused on the road and avoiding getting lost in thought, all have the potential to be life saving practices. Remember, being a responsible and attentive driver not only protects you but also helps ensure the safety of everyone on the road.