Distracted driving kills thousands of people in the United States every year. In 2018 alone, 2,841 people were killed and 400,000 people were injured in distracted driving car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
People continue to engage in distracted driving practices despite the danger. Some states have enacted legislation banning distracted driving practices in an attempt to minimize the risk of fatal car accidents.
Types of distracted driving
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention categorize distractive activities into three areas, including the following:
- Manual distractions: Tasks that require you to remove your hands from the steering wheel
- Visual distractions: Tasks that require you to take your eyes off the road
- Cognitive distractions: Tasks that remove your focus from the road
While some tasks, such as changing the radio station, eating behind the wheel and talking to other passengers in the car, involve one or two types of distractions, using a hand-held cellphone involves all three.
Hazards of cellphone use
Hand-held cellphones require you to use your hands and eyes, as well as divert your concentration away from driving. This can make it difficult for you to respond to certain situations, such as bad weather conditions, objects in the road, animals, other drivers, pedestrians crosswalks and traffic signals.
Kentucky has yet to ban drivers’ use of hand-held cellphones; however, many other states enforce laws prohibiting motorists from using such devices. It is critical that all drivers avoid distracting activities and keep their complete concentration on the road. Not only will this keep drivers safe, but everyone else on the road.