Drivers are distracted by their phones at least 10% of their driving time.
A ringing cell phone, fighting kids, or a spilling coffee cup: no one is immune from distractions. The average car weighs around 5000 pounds. When you mix distractions and a vehicle traveling down the road, you get distracted driving. Distracted driving can occur when something diverts your attention from the task of safe and attentive driving.
According to the Center for Disease Control – Injury Center, there are three primary types of distractions:
Mental or cognitive – when a driver’s mind is focused on something besides driving. These can include talking to another passenger, thinking about something that is upsetting, road rage, daydreaming, or being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Visual – when a driver looks at something other than what is ahead on the road. These can include looking for items on the floor of the car, checking and adjusting your GPS, changing the radio station, adjusting your temperature controls, taking in the view, or doing your makeup, and, of course, texting or dialing on your cellphone.
Manual – when one or both hands are taken off the wheel. These can include eating and drinking, adjusting your child's seatbelt, smoking, searching through your purse or wallet, or turning knobs in your car.
There are things you can do to ensure you are driving as safely as possible. Here are some simple ways to minimize driving distractions: