Distracted driving has become a major problem in recent years, causing an alarming number of accidents and fatalities on the roads. In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to get distracted while driving with so many things competing for our attention.
From checking social media to texting and eating, there are numerous activities that can divert our focus from the road. But did you know that the forms of distracted driving can fall into four main categories? Let’s take a closer look at each type of distracted driving and how to avoid them to the best of your ability.
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions are anything that takes your eyes off the road while driving. These distractions include things such as reading or sending text messages, checking social media notifications, changing radio stations, or even looking at a map or GPS system.
Even brief moments of glancing away from the road can have serious consequences, as it only takes a few seconds for an accident to occur. It is crucial to keep your eyes focused on the road at all times while driving. These distractions feel unavoidable sometimes, but you should do your best to pull off the main road or prepare in advance by muting notifications or mapping out your routes.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions are actions that require you to take your hands off the steering wheel. This category includes actions such as eating, drinking, reaching for objects, or using your phone to make calls. These activities may seem harmless, but they can significantly impair your ability to control the vehicle and respond quickly in case of an emergency. One of the primary reasons to avoid distracted driving is that you must be able to respond in a timely manner when or if an emergency or immediate need arises. When your hands are off the wheel, you lose the ability to make split-second, potentially life-saving decisions.
Auditory Distractions
Auditory distractions refer to anything that causes noise or sound inside the car that takes your attention away from driving. This category can include loud music, talking on the phone or with passengers, or even listening to audiobooks or podcasts.
While these activities may not seem too distracting, they can still reduce your ability to concentrate on the road and react to potential hazards. Maintain a healthy volume on the stereo system and consider keeping in-car conversations to a minimum.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions are perhaps the most dangerous type of distraction, as they involve taking your mind off the task of driving. These distractions take the form of daydreaming, thinking about personal problems, or even just feeling tired or drowsy. These distractions can significantly impair your decision-making abilities and reaction time while driving. Avoid getting behind the wheel when your energy levels are significantly low, and be mindful of your focus when you buckle in for a drive.
It is important to note that these four main categories of distracted driving are not mutually exclusive, as one action may fall into multiple categories. For example, texting while driving involves visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. The key is to recognize these behaviors and eliminate them while behind the wheel.
