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The Dangers of Distracted Driving: Stay Focused, Stay Safe

Mar 27, 2024 | 3 min read

As the world grows more digital, connected, and fast-paced, distracted driving has become all too common. According to a May 2023 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle accidents involving distracted driving were responsible for 3,522 fatalities—including 644 nonoccupants (e.g., pedestrians, cyclists, etc.)—and an estimated 362,415 injuries in 2021.1080

 

Whether you’re behind the wheel or on the sidewalk, distracted driving and its consequences can have lasting effects. Let’s take a closer look at what distracted driving is and how you can help prevent it.

Three Types of Distracted Driving

 

Anything that significantly impairs a driver’s ability to focus on the road can qualify as a distraction, and those events fall into three primary categories.

 

  • Visual distractions that take your eyes off the road include reading a text message, checking a map, or looking at yourself in the mirror.

  • Manual distractions that take your hands off the wheel include typing a text, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, or reaching for something in the back seat.

  • Cognitive distractions that take your mind off driving include engaging in text or phone conversations, daydreaming, or dozing off behind the wheel.

 

You may have noticed that texting while driving appears in each category. When you read or compose text messages or look at your phone to scroll through social media, your reaction time is delayed, and you become less aware of your surroundings. It’s like driving with your eyes half closed, and the results can be detrimental. One study determined that texting while driving increases a driver’s risk of crashing by 23 times.1081

Potential Legal Consequences of Distracted Driving

 

Laws regarding distracted driving vary by location,1082 but penalties can be severe. A distracted driving incident that results in injury or death could leave a driver with lasting emotional trauma and guilt, as well as fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

Distracted Driving Prevention Strategies

 

Fortunately, you have a lot of control over where you focus your attention while behind the wheel. Remember the following distracted driving prevention strategies to make sure your eyes stay on the road, your hands stay on the wheel, and your mind stays focused on safety while driving.

  • Put your phone away: Silence your phone and put it away while driving.

  • Plan: Make sure you know where you’re going and how to get there before you start driving.

  • Take breaks: If you’re feeling tired or distracted, pull over to take a break.

  • Avoid multitasking: Don’t try to eat or drink, talk on the phone, rummage through the glovebox, or do anything else except drive while you’re behind the wheel.

 

Remember, distracted driving is preventable. Stay focused on the road to keep yourself and others safe.

 
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Disclosure(s)

  1. 1)

    “Traffic Safety Facts: Distracted Driving in 2021.” U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. May 2023. https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813443

  2. 2)

    "Distracted Driving Awareness." Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.vtti.vt.edu/projects/distracted-driving.html

  3. 3)

    "Distracted Driving, State Laws." Governors Highway Safety Association. Updated July 2023. https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted driving

  4. 4)

    "Ford Pro Insure" is a brand of commercial auto policies issued by The American Road Insurance Company (“TARIC”) (NAIC 19631), an admitted insurance carrier and subsidiary of Ford Motor Company and Ford Credit. Ford Pro Insure policies are sold and administered by Pie Insurance Services, Inc. (“Pie Insurance”), a licensed insurance producer and non-affiliate of TARIC. (Licenses available at pieinsurance.com/legal/). Information provided is subject to Pie’s and TARIC’s privacy policies (pieinsurance.com/privacy and fordpro.com/privacy). Not available in all states and situations. Coverage subject to policy terms and conditions.