Anything that takes your attention away from driving can be a distraction. There is no doubt that the improvement of technology in today’s society has greatly benefited our society as a whole. But, sending a text message, talking on a cell phone or using a navigation system creates hazardous road conditions. These and any other distractions, such as tending to kids or passengers in the back seat, eating, watching an event outside of the vehicle, interacting with passengers, unsecured pets, putting on makeup or grooming, adjusting radio or climate controls, checking your GPS app or daydreaming. These distractions can endanger you, your passengers, and others on the road.
There are three main types of distraction:
- Visual-taking your eyes off the road,
- Manual-taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive- taking your mind off driving.
Texting while driving has been proven dangerous beyond dispute due to the fact that it requires all three distractions at once to complete. Taking one’s eyes off the road for the average 5-6 second text, is enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 MPH. A lot can happen during that distance that creates a hazardous condition on the roadway.
According to the CDC related to 2019 statistics, over 3100 people were killed and an estimated 424,000 were injured in crashes involving distracted driving. About 1 in 5 of the people who died in crashes were not in vehicles. They were walking, riding their bicycles, or outside of their vehicle.
Young adult and teen drivers are the most at risk for distracted driving. In 2019, 9 percent of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashed were aged 15-20. It is important for parents to speak to their teen drivers about the risks of driving while distracted. Remind them that driving requires their full attention. This must also be done by setting the example for them. A parent/guardian who drives while distracted will likely not be taken seriously by their young driver. See www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html/ for more information.
