Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is any activity that can divert a driver’s attention away from driving a motor vehicle safely. Unfortunately, distracted driving just doesn’t affect the driver; it affects everyone in his/her vehicle and everyone around his/her vehicle. There are three types of distractions:

• Visual
• Manual
• Cognitive

Fatalities from traffic accidents rose 7.2% in 2015 to 35,092. Distracted driving played a role in 10% of those deaths according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2015 distracted driving crashes increased 8.8% to 3,477 fatalities.

Types of distractions include:

• Eating/Drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Reading
• Navigation Systems/Radio
• Talking on the phone
• Texting

Texting is by far the most dangerous, as it incorporates all three distractions. The average text takes 5 seconds to type. In the city with an average speed limit of 35mph you are driving blindfolded for 270 feet. On the highway you will travel the length of a football field with your eyes off the road in just 5 seconds time.

Author: Rich Heinrich

Master Instructor, Emeritus