When you hear the term ‘distracted driving,’ your first thought might be a teenager texting and driving. While they are definitely a concern on Oklahoma’s roads, the problem isn’t just limited to teens and their phones.
Distracted driving takes many forms, some of which most of us have engaged in at one time or another. But they all have one thing in common: the increased likelihood of severely injuring, or even killing, someone in an accident.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
3,308 people lost their lives in accidents involving distracted drivers—an additional 289,310 experienced injuries. To increase awareness among drivers, April has been designated Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies will be out in full force during this time, cracking down on people they suspect of not keeping their focus on the road ahead.
Distractions can fall under three categories:
- Visual: Anything that takes your eyes off the road
- Manual: Tasks that take your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: Something that pulls your mind from the task of driving
How often do we drink our coffee during our morning commute or go through the drive-thru for a quick meal as we go from one activity to another? Eating and drinking means you’re taking at least one hand off the wheel. Or, you take your eyes off the road while you change radio stations or check your GPS.
Talking to your friends and family in the car makes any car trip more enjoyable (unless you’re engaged in a heated discussion). Car commercials show happy families laughing and talking while on their way to adventure. However, engaging in conversations with passengers takes your focus away from driving.
Daydreaming may seem like a harmless pastime when you’re on the road. But letting your mind wander or thinking about a work meeting means your brain isn’t focused on the task of driving.
Being aware of our habits allows us to take steps to improve them. But you can’t control the actions of the people you share the road with. If you are injured or have lost someone because of a distracted driver, you may be able to receive compensation to cover expenses and lost wages.