Distracted driving is anything that takes your focus off the road. When you’re behind the wheel, your main job is to focus on driving. But let’s face it, distractions happen. Whether it’s your phone buzzing, adjusting the radio, or even your own thoughts wandering, distractions can sneak up on you. Distracted driving is one of the biggest dangers on the road today, and it can lead to serious accidents.
But did you know there are actually three different types of distractions? Understanding these can help you stay more alert and aware when driving. Let’s break down the three types of distractions you should know about: visual, manual, and cognitive.
The 3 Main Types of Driving Distractions
Overconfidence is one of the common reasons for distracted driving. Many drivers believe that they can multitask. They do successfully drive when multitasking. However, all it takes is one accident to turn a person’s life upside down.
Let’s dive into the three types of distracted driving. First, there’s visual, which means looking away from the road. Second is manual, when you take one or both hands off the wheel. Lastly, cognitive distractions happen when your mind is not on driving. In the past, most safety tips focused on stopping drunk driving.
But now, with smartphones everywhere, multitasking while driving is common. This has made distracted driving just as dangerous. It’s estimated that it plays a role in 25-30% of car accidents, which equals to about 4,000 crashes every day!
Visual Distractions
The first is visual diversions, these are objects or even people that may cause distractions through what the eyes can see. They occur when the driver’s focus is shifted from the road; to respond to an incoming call, check the radio, or to view an interesting scene or event outside the car.
Anything that takes your vision away from the road is considered a visual distraction whenever your eyes are off the road. This is the most evident form of distraction that one is likely to encounter in his or her line of work. It is dangerous to take your eyes off the road for a couple of seconds: the likelihood of an accident quadruples.
Manual Distractions
The second type is manual distractions. These are caused by taking a hand or hands off the steering wheel to perform other activities other than steering, such as eating, applying makeup, or bending down to pick an item that has fallen off the seat. Any movement that renders you unable to grip the steering wheel with both hands makes you lose control of the car.
Cognitive Distractions
The last one is cognitive or mental distractions. These occur when the driver’s mind starts to go off thinking about something else other than driving; stress at work, conversation with other passengers or daydreaming. Your eyes are still focused on the road ahead, but your mind is no longer engaged in the act of observing the things you see. Studies prove that the act of driving while on a cell phone reduces the driver’s brain capacity in the same way as if the driver was legally drunk.
How to Avoid Distractions While Driving
Well, now that you have an idea of the three types of distractions that are possible in driving – visual, manual and cognitive – you can easily identify what would distract you while driving.
Here are some tips to help you avoid distractions:
- Switch off, or at least put away electronic devices like your cell phone so they do not distract your eyes and hands.
- Move all controls on the dashboard, such as GPS, music, and temperature control, among others, into their appropriate positions before engaging the car into drive.
- Avoid consuming food and beverages, smoking, applying makeup, or performing any other activities that are likely to create a mess when the vehicle is in motion.
- Drive attentive without any distractions such as using the phone, texting, admiring architecture, and even daydreaming.
Final Thoughts
Driving comes with a lot of responsibilities, and avoiding distractions is one of the most important ones. Visual, manual, and cognitive distractions can take your mind away from driving. By staying aware of these three types of distractions, you’ll be more prepared to handle anything that comes your way on the road. Put your phone away, keep your hands on the wheel, and stay focused. A little extra attention could make all the difference in keeping you and others safe.
