In many states, cell phone use in different forms while driving has been made illegal. In fact, 47 states have made it illegal to text and drive. Fourteen states, including West Virginia, have made it illegal to use hand-held cell phones while driving. In this way, the state has made a significant effort to decrease distracted driving on the roads, but even still, many illegally use their phones while driving and cell phone use is far from the only form of distracted driving, so distracted driving is still a great problem.
Other Forms of Distracted Driving
There are three main types of distracted driving. The first type is called cognitive distraction and occurs when the driver’s mind is distracted. This could happen when the driver is completely focused on a conversation with another passenger or listening intently to the radio. The driver is not thinking about driving.
The second type is called visual distraction and occurs when the driver is looking at something besides the road. The driver may be looking at the kids in the back seat or reading a billboard. It takes the driver’s eyes off the road.
The third type is called manual distraction and occurs when the driver’s hands are trying to do something in addition to driving and is what most people think of when hearing the term “distracted driving.” This is using a cell phone or changing the radio station while driving. All three of these types of distracted driving are dangerous and cause accidents daily.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Everyone has heard that they should not text and drive, but the number of deaths and injuries are truly sobering. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,477 people were killed and 391,000 people were injured in 2015 due to distracted driving. It was also estimated that 660,000 people use electronic devices while driving every day. That does not include those who drive with other forms of manual distraction like eating or the other two big categories of visual and cognitive distraction.
It is easy to believe that thinking deeply about another subject or playing the radio while driving couldn’t be distracting because these activities can be done while both hands are on the wheel and eyes are on the road. However, it does take away the focus from driving. The cognitively distracted driver may miss important road signs or not notice a potential danger, such as an animal, approaching on the side of the road. It also may reduce reaction time by just a moment, but sometimes, moments can be critical to avoiding an accident.
Visual distractions are very difficult to avoid as drivers are trained to be aware of surroundings at all times. Very careful drivers will be constantly on the lookout for dangers, but may get distracted by seeing something of interest. Maybe the driver glances back at the kids in the back seat or tries to read a billboard. There are so many things going on around and on the road while driving that it is easy to get distracted. While this usually does not cause a problem when the distraction is only for a brief moment, sometimes that moment is, again, crucial to avoiding an accident.
Manual distractions are the distractions that every driver knows to avoid, but still, many choose to be manually distracted. This happens to many “safe” drivers every day. Probably the most harmless seeming manual distractions are taking a drink or changing the radio volume. However, these are both distractions because both hands are not available for driving. The most dangerous manual distractions occur when there is also visual distraction. This is most commonly seen in texting or programming a GPS. Texting usually distracts the driver for about five seconds. This is very dangerous considering that at high speeds, the vehicle moves about 300 feet in that time. There is plenty of room here for an accident to occur before the driver even knows what happened.
Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
The truth is that probably every driver has been distracted at some point. At the very least, the driver was cognitively distracted by a passing thought that took his mind off the road for a moment. There are some ways, however, to help avoid distracted driving as much as possible.
The biggest changes that most distracted drivers need to make to their driving routine happen before they get into the car. The first change is to realize the seriousness of driving. Drivers are literally taking other people’s lives into their hands every time they get behind the wheel. This leads to the second change of planning how to be safe while driving. This means that each driver needs to evaluate what distracts him while driving and make plans to avoid these distractions. For instance, if the driver needs to make a phone call, decide if it will be made before or after the trip. If the driver eats in the car, eat before the trip.
Here are some other tips to avoid distracted driving.
- Set the GPS, adjust the mirrors, and find the radio station before putting the vehicle into gear.
- Never drive while drowsy. Pull off the road and rest or switch drivers if you start to feel sleepy.
- Let your passengers help you rather than be a distraction. They might see dangers or signs along the road that you miss. They also can operate your phone or GPS for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Don’t drive while feeling emotional. Wait until you regain your composure and feel that you can safely drive.
- Be sure that pets are properly secured in the vehicle.
The goal of driving is to get from one place to another safely. Do everything in your power to achieve this goal for you and your loved ones.
Attorney Jeff Robinette is a top-rated personal injury lawyer in West Virginia. Mr. Robinette is the author of three books written to inform the seriously injured and their families of their legal rights to compensation and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for his clients.
Sources
AAA http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/distracted-driving/the-risks-of-distracted-driving/#.WWg4QogrJPY
End Distracted Driving http://www.enddd.org/the-facts-about-distracted-driving/
Esurance https://www.esurance.com/info/car/3-types-of-distracted-driving
GEICO https://www.geico.com/information/safety/auto/teendriving/distracted-driving/
NCSL http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/cellular-phone-use-and-texting-while-driving-laws.aspx
NHTSA https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
West Bend http://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/bid/176740/Ten-tips-to-avoid-distracted-driving