Multitasking Is Distracted Driving

Teens and Distracted Driving – If full-grown adults struggle with (the myth of) multitasking behind the wheel, imagine how the teenage brain functions while driving with a mobile phone, loud music, or too many passengers in the car. While there are many drivers who do what they can to remain alert behind the wheel, other drivers may drive while talking on the phone, fiddling with their radios or even changing clothing.

Statistics on Teens and Distracted Driving

Check out the infographic on the Driving MBA website for more information about multi-tasking and distracted driving. One study found that 27 percent of teenagers surveyed sometimes change their clothes or shoes while behind the wheel. The Teens and Distracted Driving researcher states this problem is a result of teenagers not being aware that multitasking is as dangerous as texting. Addressing this problem is key. Especially since a high percentage of car accidents relates to distracted driving.

In the Teens and Distracted Driving study, researchers asked teenagers to participate in a driver education class. The class helps teens understand the dangers of multitasking while driving. The teenagers held a conversation on the phone while doing other tasks, including writing down numbers on a chalkboard. A behavioral scientist at the National Institutes of Health states this particular use of classroom intervention was encouraging.

Discuss Your Case With A Dedicated Personal Injury Attorney

What happens after an accident with a Teen who is Distracted Driving? A person injured in a car accident caused by distracted driving may wish to file a personal injury lawsuit. Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

 Sources: NHTSA; Driving MBA; NPR

Images Source: NPR

Three Causes Of Distracted Driving

Visual

The most common types and include anything that takes eyes off the road. Distractions include cell phone use, turning around to look at a child, or glancing at the navigation or radio. Additionally, driving experts recommend drivers check mirrors every 5-8 seconds. Looking at other things causes distracted drivers who cannot remain awareness of their surroundings. This causes roads to be more dangerous.

Manual

Less common than visual distractions but just as dangerous. These include anything that removes a hands from the wheel, such as eating or applying makeup while driving. Experts recommend driving with both hands on the steering wheel at the “9 and 3” position. Drivers have more control of the vehicle with both hands on the steering wheel. The average driver reaction time is 2.3 seconds. Thus, drivers with one hand on the steering wheel do not have enough time to react.

Cognitive

Include anything causing drivers to take their mind off driving. Sometimes, people drive down the road when they suddenly realize they don’t remember the previous five minutes of their drive. It’s easy to think of something else while driving but should be avoided. A major cognitive distraction is the “hand free calling” feature in many vehicles today. While hands free calling does not cause a visual or manual distraction, it removes the ability to focus on the road. Drivers need to be able to appropriately respond to sudden changes on the roads.

Remove Distractions

The best way to handle distracted driving is to simply not do it. Put your cell phone away while driving down the road. Turn the volume down or off to remove the temptation to respond to incoming calls, texts or other messages. If you are on the phone, finish your call before driving to ensure your and other’s safety. Do not eat, apply makeup or sit with your dog in your lap while driving down the road. If you are traveling with small children, leave early to allow yourself extra time to stop and pull over in the event the child starts screaming in the back seat. Finally, if you feel too distracted by a recent traumatic event or argument, use a ride share program, public transportation or ask a loved one to drive you.

Your safety and the safety of others on the road should be your priority when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle. If you are injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, it is important that you hold that person responsible for their negligence. Please call Johnson Law to discuss your loss: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Traffic Safety Marketing; Driver Knowledge Tests; Truce

Image Source: Beasley Media Group

Drive Responsibly

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving killed 3,275 people in 2023. April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, is a good time to regroup and take responsibility for the choices we make when we’re on the road. In addition to 3,092 people killed in accidents involving distracted drivers, an additional 416,000 were wounded in such accidents. Research shows that drivers using a cellphone while driving are 23 times more likely to get into an accident. Stop distracted driving in Alaska.

Cellphones Cause Distracted Driving

A survey of American teenagers found that 40 percent of respondents had been in the car with a driver using a cellphone. 

Parents must discuss the danger of using cellphones while driving. Instruct teen drivers not to use cellphones while driving. Parents working with schools and organizations to educate young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving will help reduce accidents. Help stop distracted driving in Alaska.

When Someone Is Injured

Alaskans hurt in automobile accidents may suffer long-term injuries and chronic pain. It may not be possible to go to work or live a normal life. Those involved in a car accident caused by someone distracted driving in Alaska should speak to a personal injury about potential claims. It may be possible to recoup the cost of medical bills, lost wages and compensation for long-term care costs.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: National Highway Safety Administration; National Safety Council

Image Source: AAA

The Main Types of Distracted Driving

In fact, anything that takes a driver’s attention away from driving can cause distracted driving. There are four main types of distractions:

• Visual: taking the eyes off the road
• Auditory: hearing something not related to driving
• Manual: taking the hands off the wheel of the motor vehicle
• Cognitive: taking the mind off driving

The Demographic Most At Risk

The demographic most at risk for distracted driving are young adult and teen drivers between the ages of fifteen and nineteen. Furthermore, the activity distracted drivers most often engage in? Texting and driving. Remember, when driving at highway speeds, if a person takes their eyes away from the road for even a matter of five seconds, that’s the equivalent of driving the length of a football field distracted. Distracted Driving Awareness helps young drivers correct these habits.

What To Keep In Mind: Distracted Driving Awareness Month

• The Risk: Text messaging increases the risk of accidents or near accidents by 23 times.
• It’s Illegal: Forty-three out of fifty states have laws that prohibit texting and driving.
• It’s Worse Than Drunk Driving: Texting and driving is six times more likely to cause a car crash than drivers over the legal drinking limit.
• Take the NSC Just Drive Pledge: Commit to driving distraction-free by taking the NSC Just Drive Pledge. Help make the roads safer.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: National Highway Safety Administration; National Safety Council

Image Source: Official Driving School