The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Arielle Thomas

Scholarship

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

The dangers of distracted driving arise in a plethora of ways. Miniscule actions that we think are harmless can often result in fatal situations. Actions such as drinking, eating, changing the radio, using a navigation system, etc. can ensue in detrimental car accidents. It can be argued that the causes of distracted driving are cognitive (mental), visual, and manual distraction (Geotab 2020). Although the perilous realities of distracted driving are prevalent, solutions such as more stringent and extensive legislation, as well as modified cell phone use (solely for emergencies) can result less fatalities associated with distracted driving.

It can be argued that a cause of distracted driving is cognitive (mental) distraction. Cognitive distraction can be defined as when a driver redirects their attention from the road, to a mentally demanding thought, task, or idea. Cognitive distraction contributes to a diminished attention level in regards to the visual scene; what the driver is truly seeing. All of the information that the driver sees is not processed when they are cognitively distracted. Drivers are more susceptible to miss visual cues that are imperative to safe driving. Drivers may miss stop signs, street exits, lights, and more while they also may miss turns, necessary merges, and collision avoidance (National Security Council). Overall, cognitive distraction is evidently a great cause of accidents and is a great contributor to distracted driving. Circumstances such as finances, family, and education can be thoughts that ensue in cognitive distraction. If we desire to minimize instances of distracted driving, it can be argued that beginning at the root of the issue is a reliable solution. In the case of cognitive distraction, if sensitive issues continue to divert one’s attention from the road, than safely pulling over to the side of a street can be helpful. Another source of cognitive distraction is hands-free telephone use. Although hands-free telephone use appears to be an answer to speaking on the phone without endangering one or others, drivers who use hands-free technology are seen to have a slower reaction time (National Security Council). Slow reaction time can result in increased collisions and missed traffic signs and stops. A possible solution to speaking with hands-free technology is reducing one’s phone settings to emergency calls only. This can further ensure one’s concentration and reaction time to be sufficient enough to drive. Although it is evident that cognitive distraction can result in fatalities on the road, solutions such as establishing emergency call settings, pulling over, and maintaining one’s focus can be useful in limiting distracted driving.

It can also be argued that other causes of distracted driving are visual and manual distraction. Visual distraction is when the driver focuses/looks at anything other than the road (Esurance). Minor nuances like looking at the floor, radio, other windows, or children (even if it is just for a second) can be harmful. Alternatively, manual distraction is when a driver takes one or both hands off the driving wheel (Esurance). This could be due to text, drink, eat, change the radio, adjust a navigation device, etc. It is possible that solutions to visual and manual distraction can be organization, planning, and focus. If one can organize their car environment to be peaceful and as serene as possible, it can maybe be considered that they will be susceptible to less distraction. Other solutions such as advocacy and the implementation of harsher legislation can also inhibit distracted driving. There have been multiple campaigns calling for an end to distracted driving. Advocacy in this regard demonstrates the effectiveness of grassroots efforts in order to exact social change. The campaign against texting while driving was achieved due to the advocacy of non-state actors, individuals who do not work within the government (Kennedy 2015). These grassroots efforts have served to be useful in limiting the dangers of distracted driving.

In conclusion, the dangers of distracted driving are a great cause of car collisions worldwide. Small actions that individuals may not even realize can be paramount in avoiding accidents. It can be argued that solutions such as advocacy, organization, increased legislation, and adjusting phone settings can be effective in prohibiting the dangers of distracted driving. With these solutions, it is possible to make a significant and effective difference in the dangers and fatalities of distracted driving.

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“3 Types of Distracted Driving.” Esurance Insurance Company, Esurance , www.esurance.com/info/car/3-types-of-distracted-driving.

[email protected]. “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” NHTSA, US Department of Transport , 6 Mar. 2020, www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving.

Council , National Security. Understanding the Distracted Brain. Distracteddriving.nsc.org, 2012.

“Distracted Driving Facts: Common Causes and Solutions.” Geotab, Geotab Team, 6 Mar. 2020, www.geotab.com/blog/distracted-driving-facts/.

Kennedy, Timothy M. “Texting While Driving Ban Shows the Power of Grassroots Advocacy; Bee News Guest Column.” NY State Senate, NY State Senate , 5 Oct. 2015, www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/timothy-m-kennedy/texting-while-driving-ban-shows-power-grassroots-advocacy.