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
