#Workplace Safety
By Team Seaglass
Driving is a daily activity for many of us, but it comes with its own set of risks. In our modern age, dominated by smartphones and an ever-increasing list of distractions, the risks associated with diverting our attention from the road have never been more significant. In this blog, we’ll explore various distracted driving habits and the pitfalls for those drivers who choose to engage in this hazardous behavior.
WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), distracted driving occurs any time a driver takes their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel causing limited mental focus on the task of driving safely.
You may say to yourself… I’m a good multi-tasker and I drive defensively. You may think so, but consider this:
Your brain has limited capacity for attention. Visual Distractions like texting, and Manual Distractions like changing a radio station, checking on our GPS, eating, or reaching for items cause us to take your eyes off the road. Cognitive distractions, like talking on the phone, drowsy driving, emotional stress, and driving while impaired negatively impact our brain’s ability to maintain efficient focus to drive safely.
Think about it, I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t encounter at least one distraction while driving. So, the more distractions there are, the less likely your brain can continue its undivided attention. In fact, research has shown that visual distractions like texting and driving causes a driver to reduce focus by 50%. Although drivers are looking ahead, they are not seeing up to 50% of their driving environment. Suppose that driving environment includes a stop sign, another car, or even a pedestrian? The consequences can be quite grave…for you and the opposing party.
THE PITFALLS OF DISTRACTED DRIVING
Injury Risks– In 2020, an estimated 400,000 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. Inattentive drivers are more likely to cause accidents that result in serious injuries to themselves and others, which often has a profound effect on the lives of victims and their families.
Legal Risks– Distracted driving is illegal in many states, and violators can face fines, license suspension, or even jail time depending on the severity of the offense. These legal ramifications can negatively impact your life for years to come, if not permanently.
Financial Burdens– Legal consequences can lead to financial hardships from costly fines and liability penalties. Don’t lose your livelihood and future wealth due to erroneous judgement that causes distracted driving.
Social Stigma– Distracted driving is socially frowned upon, as it puts others at risk. Causing accidents and injuries due to distracted driving leads to social isolation, damaged personal relationships, and impaired mental health.
TIPS FOR AVOIDING DISTRACTIONS
Driving requires your FULL Attention!
DRIVERS
- Put Away Your Phone– Place your phone out of reach or use a hands-free system when necessary
- Plan Ahead– Set your GPS before you begin your trip. Keep the volume on so you can hear the directions.
- Limit Passengers– Talkative passengers limit your ability to focus on the road. Let your passengers know that you need to focus and minimize in-car distractions.
- Avoid Eating and Drinking– Eating and drinking while driving takes your hands and attention away from the road. If you need to have a snack, pull over to a safe location and take a break
- Secure Pets– Unrestrained pets can be a significant distraction as they can jump around the car at a moment’s notice. Make sure your pet is safely in a crate or secured with a pet seatbelt.
- Keep Radio Down- Noise can be a distractor and keep you off your game.
- Don’t Drink Alcohol or Use Drugs While Driving– We all know that alcohol and drugs impairs our cognitive judgement. Just don’t do it! If you’re impaired, get a ride.
- Take Breaks– If you’re on a long road trip, take regular breaks to rest and refocus. Fatigue causes cognitive distraction.
- Keep Your Emotions in Check– Strong emotions can distract you while driving. If your upset or angry, take a break to cool off and refrain from driving.
- Focus on the Driving Environment– Maintain good stopping distance, survey the surroundings, obey traffic signals, be kind.
EMPLOYERS
- Safe Driver Policy– Implement policy that sets expectations for safe driving behaviors: No Cell Phones, Seatbelt Use, Driver Infraction Monitoring, etc.
- Utilize Vehicle Management Technology– Consider telematics that track driver behaviors and phone blocking technology that prevents phone use when travelling in vehicles
- Provide Reinforcement Training– Communicate with staff; provide defensive driver training to any employees who may operate vehicles for business use
- Managers: Be a good role model– Practice what you preach!
Dangerous driving habits are a threat not only to us, but to everyone we share the road with. Understanding the pitfalls associated with these habits is crucial to curbing their prevalence. By committing to safe driving practices, adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions, managing aggressive tendencies, never driving impaired, and ensuring you’re well rested before getting behind the wheel, we can make our roads safer for everyone. Remember, responsible driving is not just a personal choice; it’s a social responsibility that helps protect lives and prevent accidents.