Ditch Distracted Driving In 2020

When most people think of distracted driving, they picture texting behind the wheel. While cell phone use is one of the most common driver diversions, there are a host of other actions people take that put them and others in danger on the road.

According to EndDD.org, a distracted driving organization, there are three types of distracted driving: manual (moving hands away from the wheel), visual (taking eyes off the road), and cognitive (mind wandering away from the task of driving). Texting involves all three, and according to FMCSA, drivers who text are 23% more likely to cause an accident.

But it’s not just texting that poses a risk. Other electronic devices, like tablets, laptops and GPS systems can be a distraction. Yet, technology isn’t the only culprit. Eating and drinking, reaching for another object in your truck, smoking and looking at surroundings can all cause drivers to release their attention from the road.

So what precautions can you take to minimize distractions while you are behind the wheel? An article from Work Truck Online offers some good tips.

• Don’t multi-task. Focus only on driving.
• Secure gear before hitting the road. Put loose items in their proper place so they don’t roll around the cab. “Reaching for loose items could be a catastrophe.”
• Make necessary adjustments before you leave: set the GPS and climate control, choose your music, fix your mirrors and seat, etc.
• Keep your eyes on the road. “It’s recommended that drivers move their eyes every two seconds and scan mirrors every five to eight seconds.”
• Never drive drowsy. “Drowsy driving is a factor in more than 100,000 crashes each year.”

Drivers, always taking your hauling seriously, and hauling seriously means upholding safety behind the wheel. Minimizing distractions could mean your life and the lives of others on the road around you.