Distracted Driving

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Understanding the Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention away from the primary task of driving. This can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming. Essentially, anything that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving is considered a distraction.

Distracted driving is a serious issue that affects us all. By staying focused on the road and minimizing distractions, we can all play a part in making our roads safer for everyone.

Distracted driving carries many risks. In 2019, over 18% of crashes in North Carolina involved a driver that was distracted (NCDOT).

Distracted driving: Anytime you are driving, keep your eyes on the road.

Most drivers in North Carolina do not use a cellphone while driving (ITRE).

Distracted Driving: 87% of North Carolinians think it is unacceptable for a driver to talk on a hand-held phone while driving.

Encourage good habits.

Keep your loved ones safe on the road. Avoid contacting them while they are driving.

Taking the phone away from your ear does not take away the risk.

Even with two hands on the wheel, using a hands-free device, such as a Bluetooth or a voice command program, distracts your brain and makes you “cognitively blind.” In fact, “the activity in the area of the brain that processes moving images decreases by up to ⅓ when listening or talking on a phone” (NSC).

Distracted Driving: Drivers talking on a hands-free device can miss up to 50% of their surroundings.

Make a communication plan for emergencies.

Tell your family and friends how to reach you if there is an emergency while you are driving.

Distracted Driving: If you need me to know, call me twice in a row.

Multi-tasking is a myth!

Your brain cannot process two cognitively-demanding things at once, such as reading text and driving. Instead, during distracted driving, your attention shifts rapidly between two tasks. In those milliseconds between, situations can rapidly change in a moving vehicle.