A look at the Top Forms of Distracted Driving
In this age of digital technology, it is easy for us to be distracted, no matter where we are. However, these distractions can become dangerous, even deadly, if you are driving.
According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver, compared to 3,267 in 2010. An additional 387,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.
When it comes to distracted driving, there are three maintypes: visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), and cognitive (taking your mind off what you are doing).
There are several activities that can distract you from driving. Here are five forms of distracted driving:
Talking on the Cell Phone:
"Using a cellphone while driving, whether it is hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08%", statesDistraction.gov.
Ever notice the erratic driving of someone talking on their cell phone? They are the drivers that will drive very fast one minute, than very slow the next minute. This can be dangerous, since the driver is not paying attention to the road like they should.
Texting:
Distraction.govalso states, "Sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent-at 55mph-of driving the length of an entire football field, blind."
If you have been in the car with a driver who texts and drives, you know how dangerous it can be. You can be on the highway, and the driver receives a text. As they are responding, the car starts to veer off course into the emergency breakdown lane. This is not only distracted driving, it is reckless driving.
Dancing in the Car:
So, you are driving on the highway, and your favorite song comes on the radio. You turn up the volume and start dancing. You are so distracted by the music, that you fail to see the sign that said "Construction Ahead." Traffic ahead is at a complete stop, and you are going 60mph. You finally notice the traffic up ahead and slam on your brakes, but, it is too late. You rear end the person in front of you, critically injuring yourself, and the occupants in that car. Now, was it worth it to bust a move to your favorite song while driving?
Eating:
When you are in a hurry and cannot sit down to eat, the chosen alternative is to eat on the way, right? Whether it is morning, afternoon, or evening, commuters grab that cup of coffee, and something quick to eat on the way. This commute into work or school can quickly become hazardous if you accidentally spill hot coffee on yourself, or drop your bagel on the floor. Parking your car at the fast food place while you eat instead of driving and eating, will not only save that bright white business shirt of yours, it will also save your life and the lives of those around you.
Putting on Make Up:
"18 percentof injury crashes in 2010 were reported as distraction-affected crashes." Ladies, we all want to look our best, no matter where we go, but, putting on make up while you are driving, does not make you pretty. It makes you reckless. Your reaction time is significantly diminished when you are not paying attention to the road. Put your make up on before you leave, or wait until you reach your destination.
Driving is an incredible freedom that we should not take for granted. When you are distracted while driving, you are abusing your privilege to drive, and, not only putting your life at risk, but, everyone's life at risk as well. What ever it is that you have to do, whether it is make a call, respond to a text message, or put on make up, it can wait.
