Distracted Driving

Visual Distractions (Taking eyes off the road)

• Looking at a GPS or phone screen
• Reading billboards, signs, or other objects
• Turning to look at passengers or objects inside the car

Manual Distractions (Taking hands off the wheel)

• Texting or using a smartphone
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting the radio, climate controls, or mirrors
• Reaching for objects inside the vehicle

Cognitive Distractions (Taking the mind off driving)

• Engaging in deep conversation with passengers
• Daydreaming or thinking about personal issues
• Driving while fatigued or under emotional distres

The Dangers of Distracted Driving:

Increased Risk of Accidents

• According to the NHTSA, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds—at 55 mph, that's like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
• Distracted drivers are 3-5 times more likely to be involved in crashes.

Reduced Reaction Time

• Even a momentary distraction delays reaction time, making it harder to brake, swerve, or avoid hazards.

Higher Injury and Fatality Rates

• Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatal crashes, especially among teenagers and young adults.
• Nearly 3,000 deaths occur yearly due to distracted driving in the U.S. alone.

Common Causes of Distracted Driving

Mobile Phone Use

• Texting, calling, and browsing are among the most dangerous distractions.
• Even hands-free calling can lead to cognitive distraction.

Passengers & Conversations

• Engaging in deep discussions or arguments can take attention away from driving.
• Young drivers with multiple passengers are at a higher risk of distraction.

In-Car Technologies

• GPS navigation and infotainment systems can be as distracting as phones.
• Adjusting music, climate controls, or car settings while driving reduces focus.

Eating and Drinking

• Spilling hot coffee or dropping food can lead to a sudden loss of control.
• Multi-tasking while driving increases accident risks.

External Distractions

• Looking at accidents (rubbernecking), billboards, or roadside events.
• Unusual weather conditions or animals crossing the road.

How to Prevent Distracted Driving

Limit Phone Use

Put your phone on silent or Do Not Disturb mode while driving.

Use hands-free features only when necessary.

Pull over safely before texting or making a call.

Set Up Before Driving

 Adjust mirrors, seat, climate control, and GPS before starting the trip.

Choose your music or playlist in advance to avoid changing songs while driving.

Educate Passengers

Tell passengers to avoid unnecessary distractions and help with navigation.

If driving with children or pets, secure them properly before starting the car.

Avoid Eating or Drinking

If necessary, take a break at a rest stop instead of eating while driving.

Keep drinks in secure cup holders to prevent spills and distractions.

Stay Focused on the Road

Remind yourself: “My main task is driving.”

If feeling tired or distracted, pull over for a break.

Stay alert to other distracted drivers on the road.

Distracted Driving Laws and Penalties

Many states have strict laws against distracted driving, including:

• Fines and penalties for using a phone while driving.
• License suspension for repeat offenses.
• Higher insurance rates for drivers with distracted driving violations.
• In serious cases, criminal charges if an accident occurs.

If you need to use your phone, find a safe place to park and use your device. If you have trouble controlling the use of your device, then it is advised to place the item out of reach where it will not be a distraction. 

When getting behind the wheel, be an example to your family and friends by putting your phone away. You may see other people doing it, but that doesn’t mean texting and driving is a “normal” acceptable or safe behavior. Listen to your passengers: If they see you texting while driving and tell you to put your phone away, put it down. 

Safety Tip for Passengers
•    Speak up if your friends are texting while driving - tell them to stop. 
•    Offer to make calls or respond to messages for the driver. 

For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving.

See the PSA below from NHTSA

PSA - Don't Die Distracted

Information provided by NHTSA and FHWA

An additional PSA on Distracted Driving by Pinkerton Academy.