Distracted driving refers to any activity that pulls a driver’s focus from the road. Such activities may include talking or texting on the phone, eating or drinking, talking to passengers, and adjusting the stereo or navigation system.
In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association reported 3,142 deaths caused by distracted driving. Considering these findings, it’s clear that distracted driving poses a risk to everyone on the road.
For organizations that depend upon employees to drive, distracted driving losses are a serious concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who drive for work are more likely to be in a hurry to reach their destinations, think about work tasks, experience fatigue or use their cellphones on the road. Read on for a glimpse into Advisen’s distracted driving data and guidance on how to keep employees safe behind the wheel.
Types of Distracted Driving
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, there are three primary types of distractions drivers may encounter on the road. These distractions include:
- Visual distractions—Anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road is a visual distraction. This includes reading text messages, glancing at directions or turning to look at accidents.
- Manual distractions—These distractions include anything that causes a driver to take their hands off the wheel, such as reaching for something in the vehicle, adjusting the radio, eating or drinking.
- Cognitive distractions—A driver whose mind isn’t on the road is cognitively distracted. These distractions can include talking on the phone, chatting with a passenger or thinking about topics other than driving behind the wheel.
Any type of distracted driving is dangerous and can result in serious accidents or injuries.