Why is Distracted Driving Harmful?

As you know, distractions take your focus away from the road, which can force you to miss critical events, objects, and cues or let go of control of the vehicle, which all have the potential to lead to a collision.

There are three ways you can become distracted:

Physically
Visually
Cognitively

Read on to learn more about why distractions are harmful when you’re behind the wheel.

Distractions Reduce Your Control Over the Vehicle

When you are physically distracted, one or both of your hands are no longer on the wheel. While one-handed driving can be safe in certain circumstances, such as reversing, it is important that you’re able to maintain complete control over the vehicle whether one or both hands are on the wheel.

If you are visually distracted, your eyes are no longer on the road. Looking away from the road for just five seconds while driving at a rate of 55 miles per hour (mph) is equivalent to traveling the entire length of a football field with closed eyes.

Cognitive distractions occur when you are mentally distracted and not actively thinking about the road. These types of distractions are among the most harmful because you may not realize you’ve lost mental focus on driving.

Cell Phones are the Most Harmful Distraction

In 2019, at least 3,142 people lost their lives in accidents involving distracted driving.

Texting and cell phone use are the most harmful distractions because they require all three types of distractions: physical, visual, and cognitive.

It is critical you avoid distractions while driving, particularly cell phone use, as it is the most harmful distraction you can engage in.