Three seconds. Nearly 80% of crashes and 65% of near crashes involve some form of driver inattention within three seconds of the event, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). New Mexico State University’s Police Department encourages you to stay safe with the following tips:
Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads. Although drivers texting behind the wheel tops the list, there are a number of activities that can divert your attention away from the primary task of driving. ALL distractions are dangerous for you, your passengers, other drivers and pedestrians. The NMSU Police Department urges you not to let distracted driving endanger your safety on the road.
Distractions include:
- Texting
- Using a cell phone or smartphone
- Using a navigation system
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps
- Watching a video
- Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
Three main types of distraction:
- Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road
- Cognitive: taking your mind off driving
Because text messaging requires visual, manual and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.
Learn more about the impact of distracted driving.
Photo credit: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (Creative Commons License)