Distracted Driving
Driver inattention is a leading cause of traffic crashes, responsible for about 80 percent of all collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Cell phones are the number one driver distraction, contributing to hundreds of thousands of crashes and thousands of deaths each year.
Driving is a skill that requires your full attention to safely control your vehicle and respond to events happening on the roads around you. Driving involves constant and complex coordination between your mind and body. Events or things that prevent you from operating your vehicle are distractions. There are three types of distractions and they are anything that takes your…
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eyes off the road (visual)
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mind off the road (cognitive)
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hands off the steering wheel (manual)
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Drivers who engage more frequently in distracted driving are more likely to be involved in a vehicle crash or near crash.
Cell phone use has become so common that many times we don’t realize when, where, and how often we use them. Cell phone use while driving has increased so significantly within the last few years that as many as 10 percent of drivers are using either a handheld or hands-free phone at any moment during the day.
Studies have shown that driving performance is lowered and the level of distraction is higher for drivers who are heavily engaged in cell phone conversations. The use of a hands-free device does not lower distraction levels. The percentage of vehicle crashes and near-crashes attributed to dialing is nearly identical to the number associated with talking or listening.
Texting is another common distraction that has become popular with young adults, accustomed to constant communication with friends, even while driving. Studies show that the practice of texting while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk. While it’s difficult to determine how many collisions have been caused by text messaging, studies have shown that its one of the most dangerous distractions for drivers.
Make and finish your texting and phone calls before you start your vehicle and drive. If your phone rings while you are driving, let your voicemail pick up the call.
For more information, please contact:
safety@landstar.com
or 800-872-9496.
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