Undoubtedly, many of us are familiar with the perils of distracted driving — we've heard the numbers, understand why it's dangerous, and understand why it should be avoided.
For inexperienced drivers, in particular, the dangers of distracted driving might be overlooked or underestimated, which can lead to serious consequences.
Safe driving necessitates complete concentration on the road, and any activity that is not directly linked to driving is a distraction that increases the likelihood of a crash. Knowing the dangers of distracted driving and how to prevent them is a vital lesson for all drivers, but it is especially critical for juvenile drivers.
What is the definition of distracted driving?
Safe driving necessitates the concentration of one's visual, physical, and cognitive attention on the road ahead. When one of these functions is preoccupied with something other than driving, this is referred to as distracted driving.
Visual
Visual distractions are defined as anything that causes your eyes to be diverted from the road. The following are some instances of visual distractions:
- While communicating with a passenger, turning to gaze at them is acceptable.
- Changing the radio station or the temperature control settings
- Being distracted by your phone
- While driving past an accident site, you may observe what is going on.
Cognitive
Cognitive distractions arise when a driver's attention is diverted from the road in front of him. They are less obvious and therefore more difficult to avoid - drivers are frequently unaware that they have fallen prey to distractions until it is too late to correct the situation. The following are some examples of cognitive distractions:
- Experiencing emotional tension or sobbing
- Daydreaming
- Drowsiness
When driving while using a mobile phone, you are engaging in visual, physical, and cognitive distractions, which makes it one of the most dangerous distractions on the road. While we typically associate mobile phone usage with texting, it may also encompass other activities such as posting to social media, conversing on the phone, or using a navigation system.
As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, participating in these activities requires a motorist to take his or her eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds – which is comparable to driving the length of a football field while moving at 55 mph.
Manual
Manual distractions are defined as the act of the driver removing their hands off the steering wheel, hence reducing their control of the vehicle. Manual distractions might include the following:
- Using your cell phone to text or converse is prohibited.
- Whether you're eating, drinking, or putting on cosmetics, there's something for everyone.
- Affecting the radio or temperature settings on your car
- Looking for an item in your car, such as your wallet, can be time-consuming.
How dangerous is texting while driving? Effects of texting and driving
Would you blindfold yourself and drive a football field at 55 mph? That's basically what you're doing when you text and drive. The NHTSA estimates that texting while driving takes a driver's eyes off the road for five seconds, or the time it takes to cross an end zone. It's risky conduct that can result in death.
Distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019, according to the NHTSA.
Why do we continue to do it when we know the risks? Experts say we obsessively check our phones because receiving an alert makes our brain happy. Driving is a habit, and drivers believe it keeps them connected and productive.
Texting while driving is awful. We can all work together to reduce driver distraction and make our roads safer. Here are some statistics and strategies to help you stop texting while driving:
Awful stats
- Driving when distracted by texting on a cell phone raises the likelihood of an accident by an astonishing 23 times.
- Texting while driving kills around 3,000 teenagers every year (Autosafety.com)
- Every year, cell phones cause 1.6 million car accidents, 500,000 injuries, and 6,000 deaths (United States Department of Transportation)
- Approximately 40% of all American kids claim they have been in a car where the driver has used a cell phone in a dangerous manner (National Safety Council)
- Using a mobile phone while driving, whether hands-free or not, slows response time as much as driving with a.08 blood alcohol content (National Safety Council)
- Women use their phones more than men when driving (National Occupant Protection Use)
- 48% of teen drivers have seen their parents text (Consumer Reports)
How to combat distracted driving?
- Turn off your phone and place it in your pocket or handbag.
- Never text while driving or at a red light.
- Speak out if you see someone texting while driving.
- Promoting community safety
- Always keep your eyes on the road.
Texting and driving costs you
Wisconsin's inattentive driving statute outlaws texting while driving. A first infraction may cost you up to $400 and a four-point reduction, while a second offense can cost you up to $800.
Iowa's inattentive driving statute outlaws texting while driving. A major accident might result in a $1,000 fine for a first offense.
Minnesota's texting while driving statute outlaws it. An order or request to use the internet is likewise prohibited under the legislation. The first offense is $300.
Law enforcement can easily subpoena a cell phone carrier to examine your account for texting. If you are caught texting while driving, your insurance rates may rise.
Disclaimer: Most types of common insurances are Haram! Read this post to learn more!
The significance of driving safely on the highway
It is critical to take extra steps to prevent distracted driving among teenagers; because they are inexperienced drivers, they may be more prone to distractions on the road than older drivers. Promoting safe driving practices and informing them about the dangers of distracted driving from an early age can help them and others arrive at their destination in a safe manner.
The importance of not texting or making a phone call outweighs the importance of doing your part to help minimize distracted driving accidents.
Distraction-reduction strategies
Distracted driving among young drivers may be reduced in several ways, the most significant of which is to educate them about the hazards, eliminate possibilities for distractions, and urge them to drive at a slower pace.
Educational conversations - It's vital to have a discussion with your teen about distracted driving and the dangers it presents to them and other people in the vehicle or on the road. Make sure to offer information and figures concerning the hazards of distracted driving, as well as advice on how to prevent being distracted while behind the wheel.
Remove possible distractions - Encourage adolescents to complete any phone calls or text messages before getting into the car or starting the engine. Before going out, make sure they understand how to get to their location and that they have any necessary directions. If you know your adolescent will be driving during a specific period of time, refrain from contacting or texting them; instead, request that they check-in before leaving or after they get to their destination.
The "do not disturb" feature on certain smartphones may react to text messages with an automated message and will not notify the driver until they have safely arrived at their destination; nevertheless, this is not recommended. This is an effective method of limiting smartphone distractions.
Reduce speed — One of the most important things your kid can do to keep safe on the road is to slow down. This will assist students in remaining safe in inclement weather, avoiding obstacles, and responding to the actions of other drivers on the road. Even if individuals become distracted when driving at a reduced pace, they will have more response time because of the slower speed.
Additional Driving Safety Suggestions
Consider enrolling in OnTrack, an Integrity program that analyzes driving behavior like mileage, time of day, smoothness of the road, and road type in order to provide you with a reduction on your auto insurance price.
This can help you become more aware of your teen's driving behaviors and suggest areas where he or she might make changes. Apart from that, a bad score under Integrity's OnTrack program does not cause insurance premiums to be raised.
You should also consider including roadside assistance in your insurance coverage in case your kid becomes involved in an accident or has an automobile breakdown.
To learn more about how Integrity auto insurance may help protect you and your adolescent driver, speak with your local independent agent today.
Disclaimer: The information and suggestions contained in this article are for informational and suggestion purposes only. The language of the policy takes precedence over the explanations of insurance policy coverage in this article if they are at odds with the wording of the policy.
Disclaimer: Most types of common insurances are Haram! Read this post to learn more!
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