Distracted Driving Awareness Month

This article is courtesy of MPC intern, Bianca Jackson. 

What is Distracted Driving? 

Distracted driving is when a driver’s attention is taken away from the road. Distractions can be anything that causes the driver to look away from the road, makes them take their hands off the wheel, or even when their mind is focused on something other than driving. Just a few seconds of distraction can increase the risk of an accident happening. 

Types of Driving Distractions 

Driving distractions while driving can mainly fit into three general categories: 

• Visual distractions: taking your eyes off the road (like to look at a phone or GPS) 

• Manual distractions: taking your hands off the steering wheel (like if you’re eating or adjusting the radio) 

• Cognitive distractions: when your mind isn’t focused on driving (like daydreaming or having a conversation you might be really invested in) 

Many common activities while driving can fall into more than one type of distraction at the same time. An example would be texting while driving. That’s a visual distraction, manual distraction, and cognitive distraction. 

Common Causes of Distracted Driving 

There are a lot of everyday behaviors that might distract drivers. Some of the most common ones are:  

• Texting/using the phone in any way 

• Eating or drinking 

• Adjusting music, GPS, or heater/AC 

• Talking with passengers 

• Grooming (doing makeup, hair, etc.) 

Out of all of these, cellphone usage is one of the most dangerous distractions since it takes the driver’s attention away from the road in several ways. 

The Risks and Consequences 

Distracted driving increases the risk of crashes, injuries, and even fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thousands of people are killed every year in crashes who involve distracted drivers (about 3,275 in 2023). Besides risks of accidents, distracted driving can also lead to legal consequences at all such as fines, points on your license, or higher insurance rates.  

How to Prevent Distracted Driving 

Drivers can take simple precautions to reduce the risk of them being distracted while driving. Some of these precautions might be:  

• Putting your phone on silent or “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode 

• Setting up your GPS before your drive starts 

• Avoid making calls, checking texts or social media while driving 

• Keeping both hands on the steering wheel 

• And if something really requires your urgent attention, safely pull over

Why Awareness Matters 

Distracted driving awareness encourages people to see how such small distractions can change their lives or someone else’s life forever. By understanding the dangers and making these safe changes, people can help protect themselves, passengers in the car with them, as well as everyone else on the road. Driving is a responsibility that requires our focus at all times, so it’s important that we do everything we can to ensure a safe road for everyone. 

What Parents Should Know 

It’s important for parents to understand that teen drivers are especially vulnerable to the dangers of distracted driving. Parents should be modeling safe habits while on the road, setting rules about phone usage while behind the wheel, and talking with their teens about the consequences of distracted driving. Teens should know that even using hands-free technology can be distracting and it’s important to have your full attention on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has an article regarding what parents can do to talk to their kids about safe driving habits.