Distracted driving has been a matter of concern ever since the first automobiles rolled off the assembly line. In the early 1900s, when windshield wipers were first introduced on American cars, some worried that they would lull drivers into a daze.
In the 1930s, state legislators attempted to restrict the installation of car radios on the grounds that they could distract drivers and lead to crashes. Today, with text messages, social media notifications and talking GPS apps, it’s no surprise that mobile devices have become synonymous with distracted driving.
Recent statistics published by Forbes show that roughly 8% of all fatal crashes involved distracted drivers. Of those distracted driving fatalities, 12% involved a cell phone. That means 88% of distracted driving fatalities didn’t involve a phone!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main types of distractions while driving:
- Visual: Looking away from the road
- Manual: Activities that need you to take your hands off of the steering wheel
- Cognitive: Thinking about things other than driving
Common Causes of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving leads to the death of approximately 3,000 people each year, and the injury of many more people on roads in the United States. In the vast majority of these cases, the distraction was completely avoidable. Here are the nine common distractions:
- Interacting with a passenger
- Talking on a cellphone
- Holding an object other than a cellphone (i.e. a pet)
- Talking/singing/dancing
- Holding a cellphone
- Smoking
- Adjusting radio/climate control
- Eating
- Other cellphone interaction
What Can You Do To Prevent Distracted Driving?
Some of these distractions can be difficult to avoid. After all, it’s not like you’re going to go on a four-hour road trip and not talk to your passengers. In situations like this, it’s helpful to find ways to minimize the impact of distractions.
Eat First
One of the safest ways to keep yourself from becoming a distracted driver is to manage non-driving tasks before you get on the road. Eating, drinking, programming your GPS or assisting passengers can be safer if done while parked.
Let Passengers Help
Passengers can be distracting. This is one of the reasons why most states passed graduated driver licensing laws restricting teens from having passengers in the car during their first year of driving. Letting your passengers help you with tasks —like answering the phone or adjusting the radio —can help you remain more focused on driving.
Pull Over To Attend To Children
If children are in the car, be sure to pull over to a safe spot before tending to their needs. Don’t turn to reach into the back seat while driving or at a stop light.
Pull Over To Talk
Hands-free technology like a Bluetooth headset or integrated system can still take your mind off the road. Phone conversations may impair your ability to recognize and respond to something or someone on the road—even if you’re looking at it—because your attention is elsewhere.
The safest option for you, your passengers, pedestrians and those in other vehicles is to only use your phone when you’re not on the road.
Don’t Drive Drowsy
Consider the time of day you decide to drive. The NHTSA estimates 71,000 annual drowsy driving injuries. If you can avoid drowsy driving, a common safety issue late at night, you can improve the odds of arriving at your destination safely.
Take the Pledge To Drive Distraction Free
Download and print your certificate and commit to taking the safety measures necessary to avoid distractions while driving.
Apps or Products That Combat Distracted Driving
A buzz from your phone that a text, email or social network notification is fresh and waiting can be a big temptation. Some phones and apps help you avoid distracted driving from the start by blocking notifications or limiting phone features. These features can even be used to monitor driving of a family member, such as a new teen. Here are a few top options to get started:
- LifeSaver: This app uses your GPS to track when you’re in motion and when you arrive at your destination. It also blocks text messages and calls while you drive. It has an in-app rewards system that incentivizes safe driving. It also offers options for parents and fleet managers.
- DriveMode: This app gives you quick shortcuts to apps you may want to use when driving, like GPS and music, while blocking other distractions. It runs on voice enabled commands and allows you to interact with apps including Google Maps, Waze, Pandora, Spotify, and more.
- Built-in features: Modern Android and iPhone devices all have driving features built in. Check out driving modes in your phone settings and do not disturb modes as a way to block those calls and messages from showing up.
- Telematics: Telematics is a technology that is available via an app on your smartphone to monitor and provide real time feedback on your driving habits. The app alerts you to behaviors such as hard breaking, speeding, mileage and late night driving, and also layers in distracted driving events. This feedback can help drivers become more aware of their driving habits and improve them over time. Some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who use Telematics technology and demonstrate favorable driving behaviors. Learn more about our Telematics program here??
Use care when accessing in-car systems while on the road. Some systems prevent use while moving. This is one of many technologies aimed to improve your safety on the road.
Is Distraction a Young Driver’s Problem?
Experienced drivers often believe that they can manage distractions while driving better than novice drivers. But driver distraction is present among drivers of all ages. Education on how to prevent distracted driving is imperative. While drivers under age 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes, according to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA), distracted driving dangers transcend all ages.
Of distracted driving crashes, only 11% came from people under 20 years old, according to the NCSA study. Adults 45 and above were responsible for 34% of distracted driving wrecks. Don’t let the number of years you have behind the wheel lead you to believe that you’re immune to distraction while driving. Experience is no substitute for safe driving habits. It’s important though to talk to the young drivers in your life about the possible distractions on the road before they get their license.
Moving Forward As Better Drivers
The technology that helps contribute to a safer driving experience is always improving. Safer driving leads to fewer claims and lower auto insurance costs. That’s a big win for any driver. Auto manufacturers are making crash avoidance technologies, such as blind spot warning and collision avoidance systems, common in new vehicles. In fact, back-up cameras are required to be in all new lightweight vehicles.
Traffic engineers are employing roundabouts, red light cameras and road condition warnings to make driving safer. But regardless of emerging technology, policies and processes, there’s no replacement for focused, alert driving.
If you find yourself stuck in a traffic jam, follow best practices to avoid a fender bender. And regardless of how long you’ve been driving, stay focused on safe practices like defensive driving and avoiding road rage.
Some of the biggest dangers we face on the road come from inside the cabin of our own vehicle. As all roads will have hazards, all commutes will have their share of distractions. Although these can’t always be avoided, at least the negative effects may be reduced through careful consideration and planning.
It’s the Law
Also keep in mind that distracted driving may be a criminal offense depending on the distracted driving laws in the state you live in. If a police officer catches a glimpse of you looking at your phone while on the road, they can often pull you over and issue a citation. That can lead to higher insurance premiums plus the cost of the ticket itself.
Share Your Story in the Comments
If you have any tips for avoiding distracted driving, please share them with readers to help keep us all safer while out on the road.
View Comments (88)
I would appreciate having access to and knowledge of all programs, courses, materials you produce or approve concerning safe driving. Thank you for this. CAL.
Thank you ever so much for this information. What is scary is that there’s no way to account for all the NEAR-misses that occur on the road. And it’s the near-misses that either act as a wake-up call to change their driving habits or invite a driver to gamble that they’ll get away with distracted driving again! I’ll pray that I can be among the former!
Have all text messages read read aloud through your stereo that way you don't have to look at your phone it'll automatically read it to you so you can stay and free
You omitted another very common distraction - reading a map or printed or written directions while driving. I see it all the time.
I am an older driver and in addition to the safe driving tips mentioned in this article, I find it helpful to stop at a rest area or a park and walk around for 10 minutes or so every hour to an hour-and-a-half when I am on long distance trips. This allows me to relax, rest my eyes and my mind and gives me the energy to get back on the road rested and refreshed. My motto is don’t push yourself when driving.
Another safe driving tip I have is pulling off the road in a scenic area or to a side road when I notice that cars are accumulating behind me. I drive at the speed limit but many drivers don’t. It is not my job to teach them a “lesson” while on the road. It is better to be safe and not sorry.
I also check my gasoline gauge to make sure I don’t run out of gas.
Thank you.
In my experience, traffic lights are safer than roundabouts. Many people do not slow down upon approaching Yield signs, but barrel into the roundabout. Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way to vehicles about to enter the roundabout; so, a driver may have to come to a full stop at a Yield sign. When following a driver who is approaching a Yield sign, it is safer to assume the driver will have to come to a full stop. Also, obey the speed limit strictly; it is not the minimum, but the speed limit is the maximum speed you can safely travel. Decrease speed according to road conditions. Do not follow another vehicle too closely.
I agree with D. A lot of the times I'm the only person on the road and people just seem to need to pull out when no one is behind me. I'm an older driver and in the past few years, I've become much more patient. It pays!
I like your comments! Thanks!
I also agree with Edward re: roundabouts. I would prefer traffic lights over roundabouts. I believe a lot of people do not fully understand how the roundabout works.
I like Canan's comments as well. I like the idea of pulling off the road when cars are accumulated behind you. I do go the speed limit, however, many drivers do not!
Thanks for the info!
A BIG distraction are the screens the new cars have now. Eyes are taken off the road for a longer period than having to push a button to turn on the radio or get the heat going, since it is similar to having a computer to deal with. More accidents are happening because of this. Keeping my old car for now!
Thank you so much for passing on this valuable information! This will help a great deal when driving, I will pass this on to family and friends! Thank you again!
I think it is better to not have the radio on when you are driving. I find it distracting.
It happens way too often: a person talking on a cell phone will pull out of a driveway or parking lot right in front of me, causing me to hard-brake or change lanes. A lot of the time I will be the only vehicle on the road, so if the person would pay enough attention and wait just 5 seconds for me to pass before pulling out, they would have no other vehicle to contend with. Better yet, they were just in a house, store, or parking lot, so finish the call BEFORE starting to drive!