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Distracted driving

Learn how distracted drivers are increasingly putting themselves and others at risk by using smartphones, GPSs, and video players while driving.

November 25, 2020
Just Drive: Take Action Against Distraction.

The dangers of distracted driving

Distracted driving is becoming an epidemic on our roadways. The use of electronics in the vehicle is at an all-time high due to the majority of drivers owning smartphones, GPSs and video players.

For more information about the dangers of distracted driving, take our free 30-minute or one-hour class.

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger and bystander safety.

Examples of distracted behaviors:

  • Adjusting a radio, CD player or cell phone
  • Eating and drinking
  • Grooming
  • Reading, including maps
  • Smoking
  • Talking to passengers
  • Texting
  • Using a cell phone or smartphone
  • Using a navigation system
  • Watching a video

Because text messaging requires visual, manual and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.

Understanding the distracted brain

There are 3 main types of distraction:

  • Cognitive—taking your mind off what you are doing
  • Manual—taking your hands off the wheel
  • Visual—taking your eyes off the road

Human brains are unable to effectively perform two cognitively complex tasks at the same time, such as driving and talking on a cell phone. Drivers talking on cell phones can fail to see up to 50 percent of the information in their driving environment. Research has shown that drivers distracted by cell phone conversations also have slower reaction times.

Drivers are less likely to see:

  • Exits, red lights and stop signs
  • Navigational signs
  • Other driver’s actions
  • Pedestrians and cyclists

What we know

The following can help you understand what we know about distracted driving:

  • Drivers texting are eight to 23 times as likely to be involved in a crash.
  • Drivers using cell phones are four times as likely to be in a crash. About one out of every four motor vehicle crashes involves cell phone use.
  • Driving distracted yields a slower reaction time than driving while intoxicated.
  • Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activated associated with driving by 50 percent.
  • Hands-free is not risk-free. Hands-free phones do not eliminate cognitive distraction.
  • Sending text or email messages while driving draws a driver’s eyes, mind and hands away from the road.
  • The National Safety Council estimates that 26 percent of crashes involve talking on hand-held and hands-free cell phones.

Take action against distraction

Here are some ways to take action against distracted driving:

  • Pay attention. Avoid distractions like texting, talking on the phone or playing games while driving.
  • Pull over and park in a safe location if a call or text is absolutely necessary.
  • Change your voicemail greeting to inform callers you are on the road and will return their call when you can do so safely.
  • Install an app that blocks text messages, phone calls and other alerts when driving.
  • Discourage others from calling or texting you while you’re driving.
  • Have passengers manage your phone for you.
  • Prepare before you drive. Review maps, adjust your radio, eat and make any phone calls needed before you drive.

Distracted driving classes

The following additional resources can help provide insight to and safety tips for distracted driving.

Just Drive: Take Action Against Distraction

Just Drive: Take Action Against Distraction is a free 30 minute or one-hour class delivered by safety experts available to businesses and organizations in the Denver Metro area as part of employee safety and wellness programs.

Impact Teen Drivers

Impact Teen Drivers is a free one-hour class delivered by safety experts available to schools, parent meetings, clubs and churches to raise awareness of the dangers of reckless and distracted driving and graduated driver license laws.

To schedule a class, please contact Melanie Wuzzardo via email or by calling (303) 788-5358.

Additional resources

Published:
November 25, 2020