Distracted driving causes an estimated 16-18% of fatal crashes and 20% of injury crashes according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. There are four main types of distractions - visual, auditory, manual, and cognitive. The top five distractions are cell phone use, adjusting stereos, passengers, reaching for objects, and grooming. Most states have laws against texting and cell phone use while driving. While these laws have reduced cell phone use, the long term effects are unclear. The best solution is to avoid multi-tasking and stay focused while driving.

1. By
Robin Cyphers

2. Introduction
 Distracted driving is the cause of an
estimated “16 to 18% of fatal crashes and
20% of injury crashes (National Highway
Transportation Safety Administration, 2011)
that can be avoided by driver attention and
somewhat by the government enacting
new laws and enforcing them

3. Types of Driver Distractions
1. Visual – looking at something other than
the road
2. Auditory – hearing something not related
to driving
3. Manual – manipulating something other
than the wheel
4. Cognitive – thinking about something
other than driving

4. Top Five Driving Distractions
1. Using a wireless device, such as a cell
phone
2. Adjusting car stereos
3. Passengers
4. Reaching for CDs, food, GPS, falling
objects
5. Grooming

5. Laws of Driving Distractions
 Most states have enacted laws against texting
and use of cell phone while driving
 Many states that have enforced the new laws
have seen a decline in cell phone usage but
they are not sure of the long-term effect the
laws will have
 Law enforcement agencies are concerned that
the causes of accidents by cell phone use is
under-reported as the investigations are too
busy by other causes such as blood alcohol
levels
 Some jurisdictions do not allow cell phone
records as evidence in accident cases but they
are re-thinking those laws that were set to
ensure privacy and free speech

6. Best Solution To Distracted
Driving
 Multi-tasking at work or home is fine but
not when driving – stay alert and most of
all pay attention!

7. Conclusion
 Witnessing distracted drivers is scary and most
people think it is ok for a second or two
 The new laws are helping but no one knows if the
effect will be long-term as new electronic devices are
made
 The good news is that car makers have taken the
lead in inventing cars with cameras that warn drivers
when they are crossing median lines or are too close
to other vehicles
 The state highway commissions are doing their part
by using rumble strips to warn drivers when they slip
out of their lane
 So please go prepared when driving, anticipate what
electronic devices you may need and set them up
before you put the car in drive

8. References
 Arango, J. (2015, April 29). The Top 5 Causes of Distracted
Driving GJEL Accident Attorneys. Retrieved from
http://www.gjel.com/blog/the-top-5-causes-of-distracted-
driving.html
 Consumer Electronics Association. (n.d.). Top 10 Driver
Distractions - CEA. Retrieved from
https://www.ce.org/Consumer-Info/Car-Electronics/Got-It/Top-10-
Driver-Distractions.aspx
 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. (2012, May). No
Texting Rule Fact Sheet | Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration. Retrieved from https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/driver-
safety/distracted-driving/no-texting-rule-fact-sheet
 National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. (2011,
September). Traffic Safety Facts. Retrieved from http://www-
nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811379.pdf
 The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). (2011,
January). Distracted Driving: What Research Shows and What
States Can Do?. Retrieved from
http://www.ghsa.org/html/files/pubs/sfdist11