You look at your phone quickly to read a text or take your hands off the wheel to eat or drink. It may seem harmless but the time you are distracted is usually longer than you realize. A lot can happen in a couple seconds when you are distracted. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and we want to remind you to be careful for your own safety and the safety of others around you.
According to Safety.com, distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019, most of those including young adults. Distracted driving is any activity that can divert a person’s attention away from the task of driving. Let’s take a look at the three types of driving distractions and tips to drive safely.
Types of Driving Distractions
- Visual Distractions: A visual distraction is anything that causes you to take your eyes off the road. You may look away for a few seconds to send a text, check on your kids in the backseat, check your GPS, or look at your playlist.
- Manual Distractions: If you need to take your hands off the wheel to do something, it is a manual distraction. Examples include checking your phone, putting on makeup, smoking, eating, or drinking.
- Cognitive Distractions: A cognitive distraction takes your focus and concentration away from driving. Things like talking to other passengers or on the phone, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or stress and fatigue fall under cognitive distractions.
Did you notice what activity fell under all three categories? Cell phones. Sixty-eight percent of distracted driving is from cell phone use … talking or texting. There is not a nationwide ban on cellphone use while driving, but each state has their own laws. Do you know what your state laws are?
Get Involved and Prevent Distracted Driving
NARPRO wants your help to be a voice in our community to educate on the dangers of distracted driving.
- If you are a teenager, speak up when a friend is driving while distracted. It may save your life and theirs.
- Parents can lead by example. Never drive distracted and talk to young adults about distractions and the responsibilities that come with driving.
- Educators and employers can help spread the word at school or in the workplace.
When you find yourself distracted, maybe it is a good idea to pull over for a minute. Then you can take the phone call, send the text, or finish your burger. It could also be a good idea to put your phone out of reach or turn off the ringer while driving.
We care about our customers and we want you to arrive safely at each destination. NARPRO (Neighborhood of Auto Repair Professionals) helps car owners find skilled and honest car repair shops. We only recommend independent, family-owned, full-service auto repair shops that have passed 26 rigorous tests. Check out our list of repair shops if you are looking for an honest mechanic in the Valley.
