Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
Optimizing productivity in everything we do can take a simple task of commuting or driving to the store to a reckless level. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving claimed over 32,000 lives between 2013 and 2022. Instead of paying attention to the flow of traffic around us, we may find ourselves texting a friend, letting our minds wander to our to-do list, or adjusting our appearance to ensure we make a memorable impression. If you're guilty of engaging in these tasks, or any others, while driving, distracted driving needlessly puts multiple lives at stake.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from operating a vehicle, including visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Visual distractions take your eyes off the road. Manual distractions remove your hands from the wheel. Cognitive distractions pull your mind away from the task at hand. At its worst, distracted driving shows up as texting, scrolling through social media, eating, grooming, or even reading behind the wheel.
The dangerous consequences of distracted driving can prove fatal. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports an estimated 32,000 deaths from 2013 to 2022 due to crashes involving distracted drivers. Even a few seconds of distraction can put you, your passengers, and other drivers at serious risk.
Although helpful, hands-free driving tools don't eliminate distracted driving entirely. All it takes is a split-second decision to remove your focus from the road ahead. An accident resulting from distracted driving can cause serious injury or property damage, and for some victims, distracted driving can tragically cost them their lives.
9 Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
According to the National Safety Council, no single state has banned all cell phone use while behind the wheel. Beyond the lack of distracted driving laws, understanding the risks involved in driving distracted can act as a deterrent. Here are nine ways to reduce distractions and stay focused behind the wheel.
1. Avoid Cell Phone Use
Cell phones have become a mainstay in our lives, but using them on the road can prove extremely dangerous. Turn your phone off or switch it to "do not disturb" before you get in the car. If you need to communicate with someone while driving, have a passenger answer any texts or calls you receive. Set up your navigation before you start driving and use a hands-free phone mount to reduce cell phone-related distractions in your vehicle.
2. Refrain From Multitasking
A busy schedule can push you to pick up a meal while driving around, but it's best to avoid eating or drinking for multiple reasons. In addition to protecting the value of your car by preventing spills or stains, you're also focusing on one thing at a time. If, at any point, you need to do something other than drive, pull over and address the situation before continuing.
3. Plan Your Route
Leaving late or rushing to get multiple things done quickly makes it all the more challenging to drive with intention. Take the time to plan your route and leave the house with plenty of time to get to your destination. Pull over if you're unsure of where you're going.
4. Secure Your Pet
As fun as road trips with pets can be, allowing your pet to roam in the car can quickly turn a fun and safe situation into distracted driving. Before you embark on your journey, secure your pet in a crate or restrict them to any part of the vehicle other than the front seat. In the event of an emergency, pull over and stop the vehicle before checking on your pet.
5. Communicate With Your Family and Friends
You can also promote attentive driving by having a discussion with your friends and family members and leading by example. Demonstrate your commitment to safe driving each time you get behind the wheel. Novice drivers should limit the number of passengers until they feel more comfortable, and parents can advise children on how they can minimize driver distraction to avoid risky driving behaviors and potentially fatal car crashes.
6. Focus on Driving
Driving in traffic, especially during rush hour, can feel like a huge drag. However, you can avoid unnecessary motor vehicle crashes by focusing on the task at hand rather than letting your mind wander. If the traffic jam ahead of you is caused by an accident, refrain from staring at the crash and potentially causing another.
If you can't fully devote your attention to driving, pull over or avoid driving altogether. Drowsy driving, similar to driving while angry or upset, can prove just as fatal as distracted driving. Avoid driving while sick or if you've just started a new medication to avoid causing an accident due to a medical emergency.
7. Never Drive Under the Influence
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, regardless of their legality, can increase the risk of an unnecessary accident. Drugs and alcohol reduce your ability to react in a timely and appropriate manner when behind the wheel, putting anyone around you in danger. Instead, use a rideshare or designated driver to get home safely and avoid distracted driving.
8. Constantly Scan the Road Ahead
Driving the same routes can make it easy to get into the habit of finding your way home without really putting much thought into the task. However, accidents can happen anywhere, so it's up to you to recognize the complex circumstances surrounding you and respond to them when necessary to avoid a collision.
Part of constantly scanning the road ahead requires looking out for other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and wildlife. What circumstances are you approaching, and what can you do if you need to swerve to avoid danger? These questions lead us to the final tip to avoid distracted driving.
9. Drive Defensively Against Distracted Drivers
Every time you drive, you make a series of decisions leading to your destination. Recognizing that sometimes our judgment calls are wrong reveals how defensive driving can turn a dangerous situation into just a near-miss. When you drive defensively, you account for the possibilities that could occur and respond to whatever plays out to ultimately avoid an accident if possible.
Make a Commitment to Avoid Driving Distracted
Reducing the number of accidents involving distracted driving requires a commitment from all drivers. Use the tips above to focus on driving responsibly and arriving home safely. No distraction is worth losing a life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three types of distracted driving?
The three types are visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), and cognitive (taking your mind off driving). Many distractions, like texting, involve all three at once.
Is hands-free driving still considered distracted driving?
Yes. While hands-free tools reduce manual and visual distractions, they still create cognitive distractions that can slow your reaction time. Staying fully focused on the road is the safest approach.
What should I do if I get into an accident caused by a distracted driver?
Move to a safe location, call 911, document the scene, and exchange information with the other driver. Once your immediate safety is handled, a collision repair professional can assess the damage and walk you through next steps.
If you or someone you know has been in an accident, Crash Champions is here to help. Find your nearest Crash Champions location to get a free estimate and start the repair process.
The information in this article is provided for educational purposes and may not reflect every situation. While we strive for accuracy, this content is general guidance, not a substitute for visiting your local collision repair provider. For questions about your specific vehicle or repair needs, contact your local Crash Champions team.
