Driving can be an adventure even when you’re doing everything right. After all, you can’t control what the other guy is doing.
But you can control what you do to stay focused on the task at hand. Eating, reaching for items, applying makeup, and reading the newspaper are a few of the things one should never attempt while driving. Two other hazardous activities that far too many engage in are talking on a cell phone and texting while operating a vehicle. If you are not fully focused on the road, other drivers surrounding you and traffic signs and signals while operating a vehicle, you are distracted.
According to the CDC, approximately 9 people per day are killed and more than 1,000 people are injured as a result of motor vehicle accidents reported involving a distracted driver.
There are three basic types of distraction: visual (taking your eyes off the road); manual (taking your hands off the wheel); and cognitive (taking your mind off what you’re doing).
Texting involves all three, making it particularly dangerous. Many states are enacting laws that ban texting/ cell phone use while driving. Some states are utilizing graduated driver licensing systems for teen drivers to hopefully raise awareness of distracted driving and prevent its occurrence.
