Distracted Driving in Denver

Cell phones are not the only cause of distracted driving in Denver. There are many other things that can take our attention away from the road besides our cell phones and smart phones.

According to a study released The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, what is the most dangerous driving distraction besides a cell phone?

A. Reading
B. Driving while tired
C. Eating and drinking
D. Reaching for a moving object
E. A dog or a cat
F. Babies
G. Applying makeup/grooming

If you guessed D, you are RIGHT! Reaching for a moving object is ALMOST as dangerous as texting.  Next in line is B. Driving while tired which causes 100,000+ crashes each year. Reading comes after that. The cutest distractions are babies and come in 4th place.

WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:

• Texting
• Using a cell phone/smartphone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Babies
• Grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Using a navigation system
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

But, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction. The best way to end distracted driving is to educate all Americans about the danger it poses. Together, we can help save lives.

One more fact about distracted driving:
Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use.

What distracts you while you are driving?

Sources: VTTI & distraction.gov