Distracted Driving and The Hidden Dangers of Modern Technology

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In a time where technology rules our lives, the effect it has on driving behavior has become increasingly alarming. Modern technology has greatly increased the risks of distracted driving. And to maintain safety on the road, it’s important to know about these hidden hazards and ways to prevent them.

According to the Seattle car accident lawyers at Colburn Law, driver distractions are one of the top causes of car collisions.

Distracted Driving Defined

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving. There are three broad categories: visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. 

Visual distractions are when you take your eyes off the road, such as looking at a GPS screen or phone. Manual distractions are when your hands are off the wheel, instead texting or eating. Cognitive distractions are those in which your mind is not on the task of driving, which can includs things like having a deep conversation or daydreaming.

How Technology Affects Distracted Driving

Smartphones have changed the way we communicate and connect but also presented some new distractions behind the wheel. Phone activity is the top exhausted grip of distracted driving. 

Some of these include texting, looking at social media, navigation, and calls. Texting while driving is six times more dangerous than drunken driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Apart from smartphones, other technological distractions include infotainment systems, portable electronic devices, and wearable tech. Today, many vehicles are built with advanced infotainment systems that make driving more convenient, yet they can still be a dangerous distraction. Smartwatches and fitness trackers can also be dangerous as notifications and updates ask the driver to look their way. Passenger tablets and other mobile devices can also distract the driver with their own tablet or other wireless devices.

Results of Distracted Driving

The results of distracted driving can be disastrous. In the U.S., the NHTSA reported that distracted driving killed 3,308 people in 2022. Penalties include large fines, higher insurance rates, and possible criminal charges if other drivers were damaged, injured, or killed as a result. But the personal consequence goes even deeper, with families losing loved ones and individuals dealing with life-changing injuries.

Solutions and Preventative Measures

Preventing distracted driving begins and ends with personal responsibility. Simple tactics can help you minimize distractions. Turning on the “Do Not Disturb” feature on your phone while behind the wheel helps protect yourself from the temptation to look at messages. If you plan your route in advance, there are fewer times when you need to check on the GPS while driving. If you need to use your phone for directions, be sure only to use voice instructions and have your phone secured in a mount.

In addition, technological interventions have helped to cut down on distracted driving. Variousl safety apps prevent incoming notifications when behind the wheel. Newer cars are equipped with an array of safety features like voice-to-text controls and semi-autonomous features to help alleviate driver distraction. However, it’s important to use these features wisely and stay attentive.

Legislation is imperative to address distracted driving. A lot of states have laws that prevent one from using handheld devices while behind the wheel. Although these laws are a start, there are additional methods of deterring distracted driving, such as stricter enforcements and even harsher penalties. Public awareness campaigns are crucial to continually inform drivers and the public about the dangers of distraction.

As can be seen from the above statistics, distracted driving is among the top contributors to road safety – a trend that has only been made worse with advancements in mobile technology. Learning about the different kinds and effects of distracted driving helps us to take a proactive stand to nullify such risks. It’s not just avoiding fines or legal trouble; it is about saving lives. All drivers also have a duty to remain vigilant to distractions from the road.

In other words, that text, social media post, or reprieve of the GPS can wait. Above all, make sure you get there safely. To make our roads safer by making sure we keep our attention on the road where it should be.

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