What are The Dangers of Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is something that’s both dangerous and disturbingly common in our society today. It involves any activity that could divert the driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. In 2016, distracted driving resulted in an estimated 21 percent of fatal collisions, according to Transport Canada’s National Collision Database. That means it’s just as dangerous as driving under the influence of substance use, speeding, and careless driving.

What Counts as Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the primary task of driving. Distractions can be as simple as talking to passengers, eating while driving, or even catching up on emails or text messages while you’re behind the wheel. Distractions can also involve texting or even using a handheld device to make a call on your car’s hands-free system.

A variety of different factors can cause driving distraction. A list of potential distractions that can happen while driving may include:

• Talking on the phone, browsing, or texting
• Eating or drinking
• Listening to music or watching a movie
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming or using a mirror
• Reading
• Programming a GPS or your navigation system
• Adjusting your radio or MP3 player

How Risky Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is a serious problem that can lead to devastating consequences. It increases the risk of crash and the severity of the accident. In 2012, NHTSA estimated that distraction was the factor that contributed to about 10% of fatal motor vehicle crashes and 18 % of crashes causing injury.

Distraction is more likely to occur when multiple factors are present and keep you from paying attention to the main task of driving. Typically, the risk of being in a crash increases as the intensity of distraction increases. The more you’re distracted from driving, the greater your chances of having a crash. There are three types of distraction:

• Manual distraction — taking hands off the wheel
• Visual distraction— taking your eyes off the road
• Cognitive distraction— taking your mind off the main task of driving

What To Do To Prevent Distracted Driving?

The consequences of distracted driving are severe, and an accident occurs when you least expect it. In fact, many people who were involved in an accident caused by distracted driving did not even realize that they had been distracted until after the accident occurred. A driver can face serious consequences for causing a crash resulting from distraction if he or she is found guilty, and it’s thus essential to be safe than sorry. Here are essential tips to prevent distraction:

• Keep your eyes on the road.
• Avoid multitasking
• designate a texter while you’re driving
• Avoid using a handheld device to make a call while driving.
• Plan ahead and don’t allow distractions to occur while you are driving.
• Take a break when exhausted or need a break to do something.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Don’t talk on the phone while driving.
• Don’t drink and drive
• Set rules for the driver, and passengers, regarding distracted driving.

Sources:

https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/stay-safe-when-driving/distracted-driving

https://www.travelerscanada.ca/iw-documents/canada/Travelers_Institute_Distracted_Driving_Conversation_Starter_EN.pdf

https://cacp.ca/index.html?asst_id=1934