PSA about Distracted Driving Policy
What Leads to Distracted Driving PSA?
An average of 3,000 people are killed in accidents involving distracted driving each year. That’s about 9 people every day.
While most people think of cellphone use when they think of distracted driving, cellphones are not the only thing that causes distractions. Anything that takes your attention away from what you are doing is a distraction.
This means anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving is a distraction.
So, what are some of the common distractions people face on the road? There are 5 distractions that account for the largest number of accidents
on the road.
One effective way to combat distracted driving is by implementing and enforcing a legally binding distracted driving policy. Such a policy can serve as a strong deterrent against engaging in activities that divert attention from driving. We have provided 2 free distracted driving policy templates that have some key components that can be included in your companies distracted driving policy:
Common Distractions Leading to Distracted Driving
- Cellphone Use: This includes texting, calling, or even browsing the internet. The act of looking at your phone screen or typing can significantly divert your attention from the road.
- Eating and Drinking: Handling food and beverages can take your hands off the wheel and your focus off driving, leading to dangerous situations.
- Talking to Passengers: Engaging in deep conversations or turning to look at passengers can make drivers less aware of their surroundings.
- Adjusting Controls: Changing the radio station, adjusting the air conditioning, or using a navigation system can all lead to momentary lapses in attention.
- External Distractions: Billboards, accidents on the side of the road, or even scenic views can pull a driver’s attention away from driving.
- Mind Wandering: Daydreaming or thinking about something other than driving can cause a driver to lose focus and miss important signals or changes in traffic conditions.
- Focus Drawn to Outside Occurrences: Events happening outside the vehicle, such as pedestrians, other vehicles, or even animals, can distract a driver and lead to dangerous situations.
- Reaching for Objects in the Vehicle: Attempting to grab items that are on the seats, in the glove compartment, or elsewhere in the car can take a driver’s hands off the wheel and eyes off the road, increasing the risk of an accident.
Why is a PSA About Distracted Driving Policy Important?
A Public Service Announcement (PSA) about distracted driving policy is crucial for several reasons:
- Educates the Public: PSAs help inform the public about the dangers of distracted driving and the policies in place to prevent it.
- Promotes Safe Driving Habits: Highlighting the common distractions and their consequences encourages drivers to adopt safer driving practices.
- Supports Law Enforcement: By raising awareness, PSAs can help in the enforcement of distracted driving laws and regulations.
- Reduces Accidents: Ultimately, the goal of a PSA about distracted driving policy is to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on the road.
Tips for Avoiding Distractions
- Set Up Before You Go: Adjust your mirrors, seat, and controls before starting your journey.
- Use Hands-Free Devices: If you must use your phone, ensure it is hands-free and voice-activated.
- Limit Passenger Interaction: Keep conversations light and avoid turning to look at passengers.
- Pull Over to Eat: If you need to eat or drink, find a safe place to pull over and take a break.
- Stay Focused on the Road: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid getting distracted by external factors.
By understanding and addressing these common distractions, and by promoting a comprehensive PSA about distracted driving policy, we can work together to make our roads safer for everyone.
PSA about Distracted Driving Video
Cellphone Use While Driving
Cellphone use is the second leading distraction-related cause of death on the road. With truck drivers, these incidents of distracted driving happen most often on weekdays, especially Mondays and Fridays.
This is likely because drivers are responding to work-related communications that they feel obligated to handle quickly.
43% of people have admitted to communicating with work as they were driving. Of those, 38% were talking on the phone, 17% were texting, and 10% were emailing.
Eating or Drinking While Driving
This distraction is closely related to the previous one. Eating and drinking require you to take your attention off the road and your hands off the wheel, yet 70% of people admit to eating or drinking while they drive.
This distraction accounts for another 2% of accidents. Of course, drivers are busy, and they have a schedule they need to meet, but time should be factored into their schedule to stop and eat so they don’t put themselves or others in danger.
Talking to Passengers
Engaging in deep conversations or turning to look at passengers can make drivers less aware of their surroundings. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was responsible for 3,142 deaths in 2019.
Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that having a passenger in the car increases the risk of a crash by 60%. This is particularly concerning for younger drivers, as studies have shown that teen drivers with passengers are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors.
Adjusting Controls
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), adjusting controls such as the radio, air conditioning, or navigation system is a common source of driver distraction. These activities can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road, leading to momentary lapses in attention that can have serious consequences. In fact, the NHTSA reports that in 2019, distracted driving was responsible for 3,142 deaths in the United States.
A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that drivers who adjust their radios or other in-car systems are up to eight times more likely to be involved in a crash. These statistics highlight the dangers of even brief distractions while driving.
External Distractions
Billboards, accidents on the side of the road, or even scenic views can pull a driver’s attention away from driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 9% of fatal crashes in 2019 were reported as distraction-affected crashes.
A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that drivers interacting with billboards experience a 3-second increase in average glance duration away from the road. These distractions significantly increase the risk of an accident, underscoring the importance of staying focused while driving.
Mind Wandering
People getting lost in thought while driving account for 62% of distraction-related accidents and is the leading cause of distracted driving deaths. This can include getting lost in music or podcasts.
It is very easy to lose concentration while driving, especially on long trips. The problem is, if you lose concentration going highway speeds, you are more likely to do harm to someone else or yourself.
Focus Drawn to Outside Occurrences
While many people think of passengers as being a potential distraction, outside people, events, or even objects are more likely to lead to an accident. 7% of distraction-related accidents occur because a driver began focusing on something happening outside of the vehicle.
Traffic safety messages fall into this type of distraction. A study found that drivers are 4.5% more likely to get in a crash within 6 miles of one of these signs. This can also include watching for a place to pull over or checking out a wreck as you drive by.
Reaching for Objects in the Vehicle
2% of all distracted-related accidents occur when people reach for something in their vehicle. This action causes you to remove your eyes from the road and your hands from the steering wheel.
The most common object reached for is the phone, but it can be any object that requires you to take your attention away from what you are doing. Reaching for objects makes you 9 times more likely to end up in an accident.
How Can You Reduce Distractions?
Implementing a legally binding distracted driving policy is crucial for ensuring the safety of your drivers and the public. A well-structured policy can significantly reduce the number of distracted driving incidents, thereby lowering the risk of accidents and improving overall road safety.
Key Components of a Distracted Driving Policy
- Clear Definition of Distracted Driving:
- Define what constitutes distracted driving, such as using mobile phones, eating, adjusting the radio, or any other activity that diverts attention from driving.
- Strict Prohibition:
- Clearly state that any form of distracted driving is strictly prohibited. Specify that this includes texting, calling, or using any electronic device while driving.
- Training and Education:
- Provide regular training sessions to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. Use resources like Trucking 52’s online training programs, which are accessible from any device and offer short, concise training videos that enhance comprehension and retention.
- Documentation and Compliance:
- Ensure that all drivers sign a document acknowledging they have read and understood the distracted driving policy. Keep these signed documents on file for compliance and legal purposes.
- Rewards and Incentives:
- Implement a reward system to encourage adherence to the policy. This can include public recognition, financial incentives, or other rewards for drivers who consistently demonstrate safe driving behaviors.
- Regular Monitoring and Feedback:
- Continuously monitor driver behavior and provide feedback. Use telematics and other monitoring tools to identify and address instances of distracted driving promptly.
- Enforcement and Penalties:
- Clearly outline the penalties for violating the distracted driving policy. This can range from warnings to suspension or termination, depending on the severity and frequency of the violations.
Benefits of a Distracted Driving Policy
- Enhanced Safety: Reduces the risk of accidents, protecting drivers and the public.
- Legal Protection: Provides a legal framework for addressing distracted driving incidents.
- Improved Driver Performance: Encourages better driving habits through training and incentives.
- Positive Public Image: Demonstrates a commitment to safety, enhancing the company’s reputation.
PSA about Distracted Driving Policy
Creating a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about your distracted driving policy can further reinforce its importance. Use the PSA to:
- Highlight the dangers of distracted driving.
- Explain the key components of your policy.
- Encourage adherence and promote a culture of safety.
For more information and to see how Trucking 52’s training solutions can support your distracted driving policy, Schedule a demo.
By implementing and enforcing a comprehensive distracted driving policy, you can significantly enhance road safety and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a PSA about Distracted Driving?
A PSA about Distracted Driving aims to inform the public about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage safer driving habits.
What are common distractions mentioned in the PSA about Distracted Driving?
Common distractions include cellphone use, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, adjusting controls, external distractions, mind wandering, focus drawn to outside occurrences, and reaching for objects in the vehicle.
How many people are killed annually due to distracted driving according to the PSA about Distracted Driving?
An average of 3,000 people are killed in accidents involving distracted driving each year.
Why is cellphone use a major focus in the PSA about Distracted Driving?
Cellphone use is highlighted because it significantly diverts a driver’s attention from the road, making it the second leading distraction-related cause of death on the road.
What role does eating and drinking play in distracted driving according to the PSA about Distracted Driving?
Eating and drinking are distractions that require taking your hands off the wheel and your focus off driving, contributing to dangerous situations.
How does talking to passengers contribute to distracted driving as mentioned in the PSA about Distracted Driving?
Talking to passengers can engage drivers in deep conversations or cause them to turn and look at passengers, lessening their awareness of the road.
Why should drivers be cautious of external distractions according to the PSA about Distracted Driving?
External distractions like billboards and accidents can pull a driver’s attention away from driving, leading to increased risk of accidents.
What is the impact of mind wandering while driving as per the PSA about Distracted Driving?
Mind wandering, such as daydreaming or getting lost in thought, accounts for 62% of distraction-related accidents and is a leading cause of distracted driving deaths.
How does adjusting controls contribute to distracted driving based on the PSA about Distracted Driving?
Adjusting controls like the radio or air conditioning can cause momentary lapses in attention, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
What are some key components of a distracted driving policy mentioned in the PSA about Distracted Driving?
Key components include a clear definition of distracted driving, strict prohibition, training and education, documentation and compliance, rewards and incentives, regular monitoring and feedback, and enforcement and penalties.
How can a PSA about Distracted Driving support law enforcement?
A PSA about Distracted Driving raises awareness, helping in the enforcement of distracted driving laws and regulations.
What tips for avoiding distractions are provided in the PSA about Distracted Driving?
Tips include setting up before you go, using hands-free devices, limiting passenger interaction, pulling over to eat, and staying focused on the road.
What benefits does a distracted driving policy offer according to the PSA about Distracted Driving?
Benefits include enhanced safety, legal protection, improved driver performance, and a positive public image.
How can a PSA about Distracted Driving reduce accidents?
By educating the public and promoting safe driving habits, a PSA about Distracted Driving aims to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on the road.
Why is it important to have a legally binding distracted driving policy as per the PSA about Distracted Driving?
A legally binding policy can serve as a strong deterrent against engaging in activities that divert attention from driving, thereby enhancing safety.
What is the role of training and education in a distracted driving policy mentioned in the PSA about Distracted Driving?
Training and education help drivers understand the dangers of distracted driving and encourage them to adopt safer driving practices.
