Think responding to a quick text behind the wheel is harmless? Distracted driving is far more dangerous and more common, than most people realize.
At one point or another, many of us have glanced at a message while driving. After all, it only takes a second, right? But that momentary distraction can lead to serious consequences, and for some, the behavior becomes a dangerous habit.
Driving demands your full attention. Yet despite knowing the risks, countless drivers still struggle to put their phones down and stay focused on the road.
In this article, we’ll examine why distracted driving is so tempting, what makes it so dangerous, and how you can take simple steps to stay fully present behind the wheel.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from the task of driving. The term is used to refer to all types of activities that take your attention away from the road and focus on something else.
Real-Life Examples of Distracted Driving
Examples of distracted driving include eating while driving, reading a map, fiddling with the radio, texting, taking photos, and even engaging with passengers. Distracted driving is a serious issue that can lead to accidents, serious injuries, and even fatalities.
Alarming Statistics Behind Distracted Driving
Auto insurance carriers estimate that over nine people die each day because of distracted driving, which equates to over 367,000 people each year. Whether you’re late for work or are mindlessly checking your Instagram feed, it’s not worth the life of you or someone else.
Role of Cell Phone Addiction
The problem is that sometimes we just can’t help picking up our phone. You get that itching feeling that you just have to check your messages or your Facebook feed. That itching feeling is called cell phone addiction.
Why Putting Your Phone Away Matters
The average person is addicted to their phone, spending over 5 hours per day scrolling through Facebook, TikTok, and whatever other app they have on their phone. That’s more than half of the time that we spend sleeping and more than double the amount of time we spend eating, just to put it in perspective.
If you spend more than 10 minutes in the car every day, odds are you pick up your phone at least once. That one time takes your eyes off the road for 5 or so seconds, and at 55 mph in the 5 seconds, you’ve traveled the length of a football field.
Could You Be Addicted to Your Phone?
Not convinced that you could be addicted to your cell phone? Take the Smartphone Compulsion Test provided by the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction. It’s a short 15-question, yes or no quiz that determines if you could be addicted to your phone. Be prepared for some unsatisfactory results.
Normalized Behavior, Serious Risks
The alarming problem with cell phone addiction and distracted driving is that it’s become the norm.
People know that it’s dangerous to text while driving but continue to do it anyway. Travelers Insurance completed a survey of 1,000 customers, and the results were:
- 77% of drivers admitted to making calls while driving
- 44% sent texts or emails
- 31% experienced a near miss due to distraction
Watch this short video to see the real risks:
Create a Distraction-Free Environment in Your Car
Mason-McBride encourages you to take the National Safety Council safe-driving pledge. We all make mistakes, and accidents happen, but making an effort to beat cell phone addiction and distracted driving is something you can control.
For your own safety and the safety of others who share the road with you, pledge to Just Drive.
Just Drive: What You’re Committing To
By taking the pledge, you commit to NOT:
- Having a phone conversation – handheld or hands-free
- Texting or using messaging apps
- Using voice-to-text while driving
- Posting to or checking social media
- Sending or reading emails
- Taking photos or recording videos
- Entering GPS destinations while in motion
- Contacting others when you know they’re driving
Practice Mindful Driving: 4 Simple Habits
If you find that you can’t resist the urge to text and drive, try these:
- Stow your phone in the backseat or trunk
- Use a driving app that blocks texts and notifications
- Tell loved ones not to text or call when you’re on the road
- Pull over before using navigation or apps
Even hands-free devices can be distracting; use them sparingly.
Final Thoughts: Choose Safety Every Time
Distracted driving is a serious issue that can lead to serious consequences. It can cause car accidents, property damage, and even fatalities.
To break the addiction to distracted driving, you must put your phone away, create a distraction-free environment in your car, and minimize distractions with apps and programs designed to help. When you’re behind the wheel, your attention should be focused on the road and prepared for unexpected hazards.
It’s time to stand together and fight distracted driving.
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