For over a decade, the world-renowned safety advocates at Illinois’ National Safety Council (NSC) in tandem with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) and various state and local agencies, both public and private, have campaigned throughout the month of April for increased public awareness of the dangers of driving while distracted.
It is undisputed at this point that distracted driving causes serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents. The NSC reports that seven people die each day in this country in a confirmed distracted driving accident. Sadly, this statistic is understood to involve underreporting, as one of the problems with distractions causing accidents is the inability to authenticate distracted driving as the cause in the aftermath of a deadly collision.
This month, a new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey revealed disturbing findings regarding drivers and distractions:
- Over half of drivers (51%) admitted they text and/or email while alone in the vehicle;
- Those age 25 to 34 are even more likely (59%) to text and/or email while driving alone; and
- A quarter (26%) of drivers say it’s OK to use a cell phone if they are alone and at a complete stop with no other passengers in the vehicle.
For more, read “New AAA Survey Reveals Half of Drivers Admit to Being “Intexticated” When in Car Alone,” published by AAA on April 1, 2021. Warns Pat Moody, manager of public affairs for AAA Northern New England:
“Even if drivers perform some of these tasks while parked, or stopped at a red light, once you start moving, and even after you stop using the technology, your mind is still not fully focused on the task of driving for up to 27 seconds. This is a dangerous situation that could lead to inattention blindness, where you’re looking at the road but not seeing what’s in front of you, putting other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians at risk.”
Deadly Driver Distractions: Addressing Four Issues
This year, National Distracted Driving Awareness Month focuses upon four main issues where distracted driving is a recognized cause for fatal crashes. Each of these four issues are considered to be serious contributors to the unacceptable number of fatal – and preventable – accidents caused by a distracted driver.
The NSC is providing materials ranging from infographics and posters to Twitter chats and videos, each week during April having its own focus. For details on accessing these free NSC resources, go here.
From the NSC 2021 Fact Sheet:
- Drivers do not take distraction seriously enough.
- Hands-free is not risk free.
- Drivers think cell phone use is distracting – for other people.
- It is impossible to multitask and give equal attention to each task.
1] Taking Distraction Seriously
The NSC warns that drivers must combat danger on three different fronts: those involving visual (eyes), manual (hands), and cognitive (mind) distractions. All too many drivers are not recognizing mental distractions, including the use of a phone.
“When your eyes, hands and mind are not focused on driving, you increase the chance that you will make mistakes that can result in injuries or even death. Show your concern for safety. Employers can demonstrate to employees that they take safety seriously by having a safe driving policy that addresses distracted driving.”
2] Hands-Free Phone Use Is Still Dangerous
From the NSC’s safety perspective, having a driver using a hands-free device instead of holding a phone while driving is a step in the right direction. However, hands-free and/or voice command systems still pose a deadly threat to the driver and those sharing the road with him or her.
They “…create a cognitive distraction as the driver mentally engages with interactive tasks. While hands-free options may be marginally safer than handheld devices, eliminating driver use of all types of cell phones and in-vehicle infotainment systems is safest.”
3] It’s Not Just Other Drivers Who Can Be Distracted
According to NSC studies, most every driver on our roadways (87%) agrees that it is dangerous to drive while talking on a cell phone, and doing so puts the driver at risk of a fatal accident. However, the same studies reveal that almost half (49%) of these same drivers will still talk on their handheld phone while they are operating a motor vehicle.
“Drivers should talk the talk AND walk the walk, refraining from using their phone when behind the wheel.”
4] Multitasking Realities
The NSC understands that for many drivers, it is efficient to make a call or two while they are behind the wheel, it is seen as an efficient way to multitask. However, research has shown that human beings cannot perform both these tasks at the same time and drive without cognitive impairment.
“[I]t is a misconception that the tasks can be done simultaneously and as safely as possible. Motorists should make driving the primary focus and perform other cognitively demanding tasks only when safely parked.”
April 2021 Fight Against Distracted Driving in Indiana and Illinois
This week, Governor Eric Holcomb signed an Executive Order proclaiming April 2021 as “Distracted Driving Awareness Month” in the State of Indiana. Moreover, as part of the national campaign, local police departments and county law enforcement are joining in the national campaign to bring greater public awareness to the danger of distracted drivers on the roads of Indiana and Illinois.
For instance, the Sheriff’s Office of Lake County, Illinois, has announced its partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and over 200 local law enforcement agencies in a month-long distracted driving safety awareness campaign. From Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleberg:
“Operating a vehicle on the roadway is a serious responsibility which can have deadly consequences if you are driving distracted. It is not the time to send a text, check social media, or utilize electronics when operating a vehicle.”
Justice for Victims of Distracted Driver Crashes in Indiana and Illinois
The roadways of Indiana and Illinois are shared by motorcyclists, 4-wheelers (drivers of sedans, minivans, SUVs, and pickups) as well as commercial vehicles including buses, semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailer trucks. Those living and working in our part of the country understand the inherent risks involving in driving here, from bad weather conditions to road construction delays.
The danger of being seriously hurt or killed in a motor vehicle accident or truck crash caused by driver distraction is a preventable accident. If the driver had not succumbed to the temptation to take a phone call or eat a burger while driving, these types of tragedies would not occur.
For more on Distracted Driving, read our earlier discussions in:
- Distracted Driving in 2020: New Findings Warn of Continued Risk of Deadly Accidents Due to Phone Distractions
- Employer Liability for Distracted Driving Accidents in Indiana or Illinois
- Developments in Fight against Distracted Driving Accidents
- Distracted Drivers and Danger of Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Parking Lots and Garages
- Fatal Distracted Driving Accidents: How Much at Risk are You Here in Indiana and Illinois?
- How Crazy is Distracted Driving? Drivers Are Surfing, Chatting, and Taking Selfies While Driving
The laws of Indiana and Illinois provide avenues for justice to victims of distracted driving. However, we encourage the national Distracted Driving Awareness campaign this month as a means to prevent some of these horrific accidents from happening. Please be careful out there!
