The National Safety Council recognizes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Designed to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, it encourages motorists to minimize potential distractions behind the wheel. Talk with your drivers today about preventing distracted driving!

Distracted Driving Overview

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving refers to any activity that may divert a motorist’s attention from the road. There are three main types of distractions that can interfere with drivers’ attentiveness behind the wheel, including:

·      Visual distractions—These distractions involve motorists taking their eyes off the road. Some examples of visual distractions include reading emails or text messages, focusing on vehicle passengers, looking at maps or navigation systems, and observing nearby activities (e.g., accidents, traffic stops or roadside attractions) while driving.

·      Manual distractions—Such distractions entail motorists removing their hands from the steering wheel. Key examples of manual distractions include texting, adjusting the radio, programming navigation systems, eating, drinking or performing personal grooming tasks (e.g., applying makeup) while driving. Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

·      Cognitive distractions—These distractions stem from motorists taking their minds off driving. Primary examples of cognitive distractions include talking on the phone, conversing with vehicle passengers or daydreaming while driving.

Regardless of distraction type, distracted driving is a serious safety hazard that contributes to a significant number of accidents on the road. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2022, 3,308 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.

Distracted Driving Prevention Tips

Remind your team to follow these distracted driving prevention measures:

·      Put away your phone. Silence your phone and store it in a location that is out of reach while driving to lower the temptation to check it.

·      Plan your trip before you leave. Program your navigation system prior to hitting the road to get familiar with your journey and feel confident in your route.

·      Don’t fumble with your playlist. Select a radio station or plug in a predetermined playlist before driving to limit the need for music adjustments.

·      Avoid multitasking. Never complete additional tasks—such as eating or personal grooming—behind the wheel.

·      Stay focused. Concentrate your mind on the road by keeping distracting conversations to a minimum and looking straight ahead.