The 4 Types Of Distracted Driving

Whenever you hear about distracted driving, cell phone usage is one of the first things that come to mind. While it is, in fact, a significant part of the equation, there are several other distractions drivers encounter that cause them to lose focus.

We must truly understand the problem’s four major causes to devise meaningful solutions that effectively prevent driving distractions. They include visual distractions, manual distractions, auditory distractions, and cognitive distractions.

The Implications Of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has always been a severe cause for concern on roadways. According to data estimates, over 25% of road accidents are a result of negligence on the part of drivers. Unfortunately, this accident claims over 3,000 lives yearly, which is just as bad, if not worse, than accidents caused by intoxicated drivers.

After careful consideration, countries worldwide decided that the only way to minimize further tragedy is by educating the masses about the causes of driving distractions. The sooner we understand the various elements responsible for driving distractions, the more chances we have of avoiding fatal crashes.

The 4 Types Of Distractions

The four types of distracted driving are manual, visual, auditory, and cognitive. To help you understand each of these factors, we’ll be breaking them down with a few examples.

1. Visual Distractions

Visual distractions are anything that redirects your focus from the road. Visual distraction can take many forms. Sometimes it could be witnessing a flailing tube dancer at the side of the road, looking at a street sign, seeing a car crash while driving, or perhaps trying to look at someone in the back seat of your car.

As soon as you avert your eyes from the road, you become less aware of the vehicle ahead and traffic signals which increase the likelihood of a severe rear-end collision.

Many things can happen in an instant when driving, so it’s essential to keep your eyes fixed on the road to avoid visual distractions. Remember that it’s not only your safety that’s at risk when you let your eyes wander, which is more reason to keep your full attention on the road.

2. Manual Distractions

Anything that prompts you to take your hands off the steering wheel is a manual distraction. Whatever necessitates you to reach for your cell phone, change the radio station, or even take a sip of water is quite frankly a manual distraction. Such distractions tend to slow down your reaction time when you need to take swift action, for instance, an animal crossing the road or an unexpected obstacle.

3. Auditory Distractions

Auditory distractions are sound-based, as the name implies. Auditory distractions noises are all sounds that make drivers lose focus on the road. Besides this, anything that interferes with a driver’s ability to hear is basically an auditory distraction.

Such distractions include making phone calls, listening to loud music, yelling at the divers of other motor vehicles, or hearing noisy phone notifications. If you have to listen to music when driving, ensure to keep the volume at a reasonable level to ensure it doesn’t distract you from the road.

4. Cognitive Distractions

Cognitive distractions on the road are both difficult to define and exceptionally dangerous. Such distractions arise from the mind being flooded with all kinds of information, which inadvertently steers the driver’s attention from the road.

While daydreaming is the most common type of cognitive distraction, talking with other passengers or singing along to a song on the radio also qualifies as a cognitive distraction. Also, avoid driving in a sad, anxious, or extremely happy state. These can affect your mental orientation and ultimately result in distractions while driving.

The Number One Cause Of Road Accidents

The majority of distracted driver accidents stem from daydreams. Getting bored behind the wheels is easy, especially on long-distance drives. Many drivers tend to daydream behind the wheels, which puts their lives and the other driver’s life at risk. The only way to avoid such motor vehicle accidents is to raise awareness about the importance of staying focused while driving.

How To Prevent Distracted Driving

The following tips will not only eliminate distractions but they’ll also help maintain your focus while driving.

1. Focus On The Road

Keep your eyes on the road at all times and use your vehicle’s mirror to keep track of pedestrians and cyclists.

2. Store Away Distractions

Make sure to store away all possessions that might roll around your car while you drive. This will ensure you aren’t tempted to let go of the steering to pick them up.

3. Check Traffic Conditions and Your Vehicle System

Endeavor to check your vehicle system as well as the traffic conditions before driving. A brake failure can result in a car accident just as quickly as a distracted driver can.

4. Dress Properly Before Heading Out

Ensure you are properly dressed before getting in the car. Driving while grooming or tying your shoelaces is the fastest route to a road crash.

5. Don’t Eat While Driving

It’s never a good idea to drive on an empty stomach, so if you get the chance, ensure to eat something before your trip, even if it’s just a light snack. It’s best to eat before getting on the road because eating messy food while you drive can be very distracting.

6. Keep Your Pets and Kids Secured

If children are in your car, ensure they are secured in their seats before you start driving. Whenever your attention is needed, make sure to pull over safely, as trying to reach into the backseat can cause you to lose control of the wheels.

7. Keep All Electronic Devices Away

It’s in your best interest to remove all electronic distractions on the road, especially your cell phone. Unless, of course, it’s an emergency. Refrain from texting as much as possible if you have to communicate some vital information.

Conclusion

Cognitive distractions are so prevalent and, quite frankly, the most menacing cause of road accidents because distracted drivers get so enthralled in their thoughts they don’t even realize when a crash is imminent. The more people acknowledge the four (4) types of distracted driving, the better our chances of preventing car crashes in the future.