When driving at 70 miles per hour, you cover almost 105 feet each second. If you take your eyes off the road—whether to glance at a billboard, an accident, a mirror, or the infotainment screen—you’ll travel that distance without seeing what’s ahead. If you let your gaze wander for just five seconds, you’ve driven nearly a tenth of a mile completely unaware. This illustrates the impact of distractions on driving.
Today, using a mobile device while driving poses a serious risk. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that texting while driving increases the risk of an accident by 23 times. The constant notifications from your phone can be hard to ignore and often feel urgent. Even just reading a text diverts your attention from safe driving, and responding exacerbates the issue.
The Dangers of Texting
Texting creates distractions on three fronts: visually, as your eyes focus on your phone; physically, as your hands are occupied typing or reading; and mentally, as you react and think about the message. Each of these can detract from your ability to drive safely.
Modern Distractions
Beyond texting, the myriad functions of smartphones can lead to further distractions. Various apps for gaming, betting, or navigation can divert your attention, even those designed to assist with driving tasks like GPS routing and finding fuel or parking.
Dashboard Distractions
In fact, any element in your vehicle can distract you if you permit it. Today’s multi-function screens showcase a range of information—from radio stations to GPS data—requiring your attention while driving. Adjusting these settings can be more complicated and distracting than just tuning a radio with physical knobs.
Mirror Focus
While mirrors are essential for safe driving, they can be distracting if too much attention is given to what’s behind instead of what’s ahead. Professional drivers learn to anticipate the actions of other vehicles but must also stay vigilant about potential hazards in front.
Mindful Driving and Decision Making
Mental distractions are also significant for professional drivers, as the time spent behind the wheel can lead to overthinking stressful situations. It’s easy to get caught up in unresolved issues, which might then tempt you to reach for your phone. Recognizing when such distractions impact your focus on driving is essential for safety.
