There are many ways people can be distracted when behind the wheel. Distracted driving is not only texting and driving. There are many things that can distract a person when behind the wheel. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles there are three main types of distractions; visual, manual, and cognitive. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and all of us at Workers Compensation Shop are dedicated to help end this phenomenon.
Visual distractions may include electronic devices, but they also can include anything that takes your eyes off the road. Manual distractions include anything that takes your hands off the wheel while operating a vehicle. Cognitive distractions include anything that takes your mind off the activity of driving. Here are some common examples of each type of distraction.
Texting and Driving
Because texting is such a common activity for most people, sending a text doesn’t seem dangerous to many people. However, when you’re doing it behind the wheel, there are many factors at play and most are distracting to the task at hand. The facts state that texting and driving is a hazardous habit and is becoming more common every year. In 2014, 26 percent of all car crashes involved cell phone use. Even when presented with these facts, 42 percent of teenagers still admit to texting while driving. Texting while driving has become a greater hazard than drinking and driving among teenagers.
Using a Bluetooth Device
Talking on the phone while driving is not without risk as well. Even when using a blue tooth device, hands free is not risk free. The only way to stay truly safe while behind the wheel is to have your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind on driving.
Eating
Eating while behind the wheel is another activity that takes both your hands off the wheel, your mind off the activity of driving and your eyes off the road. For that reason, it is equally distracting compared to other types of distracted driving.
Putting on Make-up
Many people have lots of tasks to take care of throughout the day. If you have kids, you probably feel like you have been running behind since the moment they were born. No matter what the reason you are running late, it is never a good reason to do any of your grooming activities while behind the wheel.
Dealing with the Kids
Children can be extremely distracting when behind the wheel. It is important to remember that no matter how big of a crisis they are making their problem seem vocally, it is almost always not as serious as the task of operating the motor vehicle safely. No matter what the situation, it is important to wait until you can park the car in a safe place before dealing with the needs of your children.