In 2020, there were 3,142 deaths caused by distracted driving. When drivers get behind the wheel, they often bring other distractions from their busy lives with them. Things like text conversations, phone calls, work emails, music, children in the back seats, eating or drinking, and more can quickly turn a routine drive into a dangerous situation. With all these distractions, you may be wondering, “Which is the most dangerous kind of distracted driving?” Keep reading to find out.
What exactly is distracted driving, and which type is the most dangerous?
Distracted driving is any activity or object that takes your attention away from the road. To break it down further, distracted driving can be categorized into three types: cognitive, visual, and manual.
- Cognitive distractions include anything that takes your mind off the road, such as talking to someone or daydreaming.
- Visual distractions are things that take your eyes off the road, like looking at a building or billboard.
- Manual distractions are activities that take your hands off the wheel.
Studies show the most dangerous type of distracted driving is texting or calling while behind the wheel. Mobile phones impair all three types of distraction simultaneously, making them a triple threat to your safety and others. Whether you’re the driver, a passenger, or a parent, you have a responsibility to prevent distracted driving and do your part. Here’s how.
How drivers can stop distracted driving
- Never multitask. Whether you’re putting on makeup, eating, or answering your phone, your driving abilities become impaired the moment you start multitasking. Take the time to finish tasks before getting behind the wheel, like picking music or replying to an email. If something demands your immediate attention, pull over to handle the situation.
- Keep your phone away. Alerts can pull your attention away from the road and tempt you to grab your phone. There are apps to help prevent cell phone usage while driving. Even just putting your phone on silent or out of sight can make all the difference.
- Set rules for your vehicle. Even if your friends or family are in the car, make it known that your focus is on driving. Don’t hesitate to speak up if someone is making it hard to concentrate. It’s important to be as safe as possible on the way to your destination. Once you’re safely there, you can focus on the fun.
How passengers can help stop distracted driving
- Reduce distractions. Keep the driver’s focus on the road by helping when you can. Take over tasks like navigation, texting, or controlling the music, so they can avoid multitasking. Also, don’t become a distraction yourself. Let the driver focus on their job.
- Express your concerns. If your driver continues to be distracted or multitasking while driving, let them know you’re concerned. It’s the driver’s responsibility to get everyone to their destination safely, so remind them of that.
How parents can help stop distracted driving
- Understand and teach the rules. Make sure you understand the laws in your state so you can be the best teacher for your kids. Then, reinforce these rules and their importance with your children. It’s not just the driving instructor’s job to teach your child the basics; it’s helpful when you reinforce them too.
- Set expectations. Before your child starts driving, complete Frankenmuth Insurance’s Safe Driving Agreement to start the conversation about safe driving. Whether you’re enforcing your own family rules or following the law, make it clear that there will be consequences when these rules are broken. It’s important to set safety expectations before your teens start driving.
- Be the best example. Set a good example for driving yourself. Your child looks to you to learn how to drive, so model the behaviors and habits you want them to follow in your own car. Don’t use your phone or get distracted by it while driving.
Now that you know the most dangerous type of distracted driving, take steps to prevent it behind the wheel, in the passenger seat, and with your family. Even with these tips in mind, accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s important to have the right coverage for your car. Speak with a local, independent agent today.
