Distracted Driving: When “Just for a Second” is Too Long
Driving distracted is dangerous because it affects you and every other road user. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone; eating and drinking; talking to people in your vehicle; fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system; and anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.
According to the National Safety Council, distractions can be manual (taking hands off the wheel), visual (taking eyes off the road), or cognitive (taking your mind off driving). Using a cell phone involves all three. Other distractions include loud music, programming your navigation system, adjusting controls, interacting with passengers, reading directions, eating, drinking, and smoking.
A typical distraction lasts about four seconds. During that brief time, when a driver is no longer fully focused on driving, the distance a vehicle travels can be staggering. At 30 mph, it continues forward approximately 176 feet—nearly half the length of a football field. At 55 mph, it travels more than 300 feet, about the length of a standard soccer pitch. And at 70 mph, it goes more than 400 feet—the approximate distance from home plate to the centerfield fence in a professional baseball stadium! This demonstrates that even a brief distraction means the driver is not focused during these significant distances, increasing the risk of an incident.
How to Avoid Distracted Driving
Prevent distractions from arising during your travels. Before beginning your trip, adjust your vehicle controls such as mirrors, seats, and air conditioning; program your navigation system; choose your music; check road conditions; and plan for traffic. To remain distraction-free while driving, do not:
- Read or write
- Eat or drink
- Have intense conversations
- Reach into the back seat
- Open the glove box or other compartments
- Clean the windows.
Take responsibility for your safety and the safety of others. Know your state laws and your company’s rules on cell phone use while driving, and commit to following them every time you drive. Make a personal pledge to never drive distracted—protect yourself and everyone sharing the road.
RETTEW is here to support your commitment to safe driving. Consider enrolling in RETTEW’s National Safety Council-certified four-hour Defensive Driver training course to reinforce your dedication to safety and learn practical strategies for managing distractions on the road.
What’s Upcoming?
Keep your team safe on the job. Register for a class today!
All classes are held at the RETTEW Training Center in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, unless otherwise noted.
June 8-10: HAZWOPER Technician, 24-Hour
June 8-12: HAZWOPER Site Worker, 40-Hour
June 11: First Aid, CPR, BBP, and AED (7:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
June 12: Permit-Required Confined Space (Entrant, Attendant, and Supervisor) (7:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
To register, please contact Ed Kauffman at 717-516-7487 or via email at ed.kauffman@rettew.com, click on the event link above, or enroll through the course listing on our website calendar.
Ashley Loos-Figurski, CSP, RSO
Ms. Loos-Figurski is the Safety Consulting Manager on RETTEW's Health, Safety & Environment team, with close to 15 years of experience supporting clients across the oil and natural gas, construction, manufacturing, recycling, and transportation industries. A Certified Safety Professional, she specializes in federal, state, and local regulatory compliance; hazard identification and mitigation; and safety program development. Ms. Loos-Figurski assists a wide range of clients by evaluating worksite conditions, developing and implementing health and safety programs, conducting safety training, and performing accident investigations and root cause analyses to support a strong culture of safety and compliance.
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