Summer
There are three distracted driving items in this picture – can you find them?
Hover over the items that cause distraction for information on why this activity should be avoided while driving.
Eating and drinking increase your chances of getting into a car accident by 80% and 65% of near miss car accidents are caused by distracted drivers who are eating or drinking.
Tips to minimize your risk: 1) Eat before you leave; 2) Remove the temptation by not bringing food into the car; and 3) If driving, pick slim containers with easy-open lids for coffee or hot drinks or use a straw for cold drinks.
DRIVING DISTRACTIONS
Cognitive Distraction. Interacting with passengers was the top cause of distraction, causing 15% of crashes. Other major issues were looking at something in the car oroutside, singing or dancing, grooming, and reaching for an object.
Tips to minimize your risk: 1) Listen to calming music or talk radio that won't cause a strong reaction; 2) Remind passengers that your primary focus is driving.
One hand on steering wheel. A driver is eight times more likely to be in an accident when only having one hand on the steering wheel while making radio or climate control adjustments. Making radio adjustments is the number one reason for removing hands.
Tips to minimize your risk: 1) Prepare before you start driving. Have items you’ll need readily available; 2) Use volume control and channel selector paddles on steering wheel.
Cell Phones. The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. Nearly 390,000 injuries each year, and one of every four accidents in the US, are caused by texting while driving.
Tips to minimize your risk: 1) Hands-free devices reduce the risk, but don't eliminate it. To completely eliminate your risk, DON'T USE MOBILE DEVICES WHILE DRIVING.
Back to FOCUS on Distracted Driving
