Did you know that texting takes your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds? That’s like driving an entire football field blindfolded.
Thousands of traffic fatalities are caused by distracted driving, and a significant percentage of those are attributed to cellphone use.
Because text messaging requires visual, manual and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.
But the dangers of using cellphones while driving are not limited to texting or making calls. They also include other activities such as taking photos, watching videos or using apps. Even hands-free devices can be distracting, as they require the driver to engage in a conversation or issue verbal commands. To stay safe while driving with your cellphone, you should avoid using it, or only use it in an emergency.
Here are some suggestions to stay safe on the road:
- Turn it off: Turn your phone off before you start driving.
- Set auto reply: Set your driving mode auto reply.
- Keep it away: Keep your phone out of reach and out of sight.
- Pull over: If you must make a call or text, pull over to a safe place first.
Phones are not the only distraction in a car. Distracted driving is defined as any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger the driver, passengers and bystanders. Other distractions include:
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps
- Using a GPS navigation system
- Watching a video
- Adjusting a radio or other music playing device
To learn more about the impact of distraction on driving, visit the National Safety Council website