Each year, more than 3,000 people in the US are killed by accidents caused by distracted drivers. But what types of activities cause drivers to lose focus on the road and put themselves and others at risk?
According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is "any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving".
That list includes activities like applying mascara in the rear view mirror, adjusting the radio, using navigation systems, eating and drinking, even passengers are distractions.
Now that mobile phones and voice command systems have become more and more a part of the driving experience, distractions in the car just got a whole lot more difficult to resist.
The use of mobile phones while driving has become a greater hazard than drinking; it has become the leading cause of death for teen drivers in the US.
On this week's episode of TechKnow, contributors Lindsay Moran and Kosta Grammatis take a look at the science behind distracted driving. They go head to head in a variety of tests designed to show how modern technology impacts on how well we drive. And they also find out why the very concept of multitasking is a myth.
CONTRIBUTOR'S NOTEBOOK
By Lindsay Moran
I'll admit to feeling a bit cocky going into the distracted driving shoot for TechKnow, in which co-contributor Kosta Grammatis and I were pitted against one another in simulators and on-the-road tests. Who could better handle driving while subjected to various outside stimuli and distractions? The answer seemed obvious - at least to me.
Not only did I have extensive training and lots of practice driving while distracted for the CIA, I continue to use those skills every day - spending hours on the road doing what I call "driving while mom".
In CIA training, we had a two-week course, affectionately referred to as Crash and Burn, during which we practiced handling ourselves under a variety of intimidating - sometimes downright harrowing - driving conditions and circumstances. We were timed speeding around a racetrack at the CIA's training facility known as The Farm, swerving around obstacles in our path. We had to learn to weave through cones in reverse, without ever turning around. And we practiced crashing through barriers like two parked cars and peeling out to escape. We even did some driving while blindfolded. (Let it be known that I was awarded "Most Improved" status at the end of Crash and Burn.)
Later, in the field, much of my life as an operative was spent behind the wheel - hours conducting what are called Surveillance Detection Routes to determine if I was being followed; travelling from one remote backwater to another along unlit mountainous roads; and also conducting agent meetings - debriefing sources that is - often while in the driver's seat.
To be honest though, CIA training and experience pales in comparison to the distractions I'm subjected to while driving nowadays - kids in the backseat clamouring for music, juice boxes, snacks, bathroom breaks, or just plain attention. When the kids are not in the car, I typically use my driving time to take care of all manner of personal and professional business. Always careful to use a hands-free device, I nonetheless make doctors' appointments, conduct interviews, line up babysitters, or just catch up with friends and family. Both my parents know that when they hear from me, it usually means I'm driving somewhere.
The distracted driving story changed all that for me. Not only was I humbled to learn - after a variety of simulator and road tests - that I am no better a driver than Kosta, I also discovered that I'm far from the able multitasker I'd always imagined myself to be. In fact, Kosta's and my performance in several tests that measured our capacity to multitask while driving, bore out the findings of University of Utah researchers that none of us is really capable of focusing on more than one thing at a time.
Even hand-free distractions - like talking to Siri or having a cellphone conversation with one's mother - are just as potentially dangerous as, say, driving while drunk. And who among us hasn't been guilty of at one time responding to what seemed like an urgent text while driving?
That statistic, and the realisation of my own limitations has caused me to change my behaviour altogether. I now have an app on my phone that essentially saves me from myself. It will respond to incoming texts with a message that tells the contact that I'm driving and unavailable. There are many similar apps and also innovations being developed to monitor a driver for distractedness or drowsiness.
I went into this shoot with Kosta driven (pun intended) by my competitive spirit and a desire to prove that, research be damned, I could "do it all" while driving. But the only thing I won this time was a greater understanding of just how distracting doing anything but focusing on the road is, and just how dangerous losing that focus could be. Simply put: In the world of distracted driving, there simply are no winners.
Post by Velar Fricative on Dec 15, 2015 8:55:22 GMT -5
Unfortunately, I need to use GPS for my job. But I think I will give the app mentioned re: responding to texts while driving a shot.
It is downright scary when I'm looking around while parked or stopped at a red light and see so many eyes of drivers looking down. I can't see the phones, but obviously they're looking at their phones as they're driving.
Post by penguingrrl on Dec 15, 2015 9:07:25 GMT -5
I used to talk on the phone and text while driving, but I have seen enough articles to realize how incredibly dangerous it is and stopped years ago. I still usually have 3-5 kids in my car when driving, which is definitely distracting, but I can't change that.
@@@@@@ However, one day I was driving with my 8 year old and heard a text come in from H. My purse was in the backseat and my daughter offered to read the text. We were coming home from the grocery store and I was worried H remembered something we forgot, so I said to check it. Except that instead it was "He (our toddler) pooped in the tub. Fuck me in the ass with a pogo stick!" Hearing a sweet little 8 year old voice read that nearly ran us off the road lol! She asked me what that meant and I told her she could ask her father.
I changed my habits regarding this a few months ago, actually because of things I read here. I now start my podcast before I start driving (and the "play next" feature in the podcast app is pretty convenient for continuous play) and then don't touch my phone after that. My H wasn't really happy that I started not answering my phone while driving, but I think he's coming around.
What I do want to understand is what I can do while driving. I mean, this article sort of makes it sound like turning on my windshield wipers or checking my speed is "distracted driving." And obviously drivers need to be able to look away from the road for split seconds to do normal driving activities.
What I do want to understand is what I can do while driving. I mean, this article sort of makes it sound like turning on my windshield wipers or checking my speed is "distracted driving." And obviously drivers need to be able to look away from the road for split seconds to do normal driving activities.
You would actually fail the UK driving test if you didn't look at mirrors, your speed or turn on windshield wipers (if needed) during a driving test.
After seeing the result of a friend driving while texting (totalled her car and she has major back issues now), I no longer pay any attention to my phone. If need be, I'll pull over to a parking lot to return a call or check a message, but there truly is nothing I need to do immediately at this point (it can wait the one or two minutes I need to find a space, or more likely, until I get home).
Post by tacosforlife on Dec 15, 2015 10:25:16 GMT -5
A friend drove me to the airport on Sunday and was texting at red lights. When she started to slowly move after the light turned green and was still texting, I flat out said, "Can you please put your phone down?" She was clearly miffed and protested that we weren't moving. Setting aside that we were moving when I asked, it's still dangerous! Yesterday I was waiting to walk across the street when I saw a guy who kept inching into the crosswalk while looking down at his phone. If I'd been crossing in front of him, he would have hit me.
And I hate that now she's mad at me for requesting she follow the law and not unnecessarily endanger my life or the lives of other drivers. UGH. Nothing on your phone is so urgent that it can't wait until you're at your destination!
I legit see drivers texting every single day. And it terrifies me as both a driver and a pedestrian. With this many people doing it, it feels like more of a when than an if as to being hit.
I have had two coworkers go out on long-term disability at my company in the last couple of years due to car accidents related to texting and driving. Both have MAJOR back problems. One was rear-ended; a teenager who didn't even brake. The other ran a red light while texting and broadsided an SUV. Both are unable to work because they can't sit for extended periods of time (office jobs). That's enough for me to leave my phone alone in the car.
I normally leave it in my purse on the floor. If I need GPS, I set it up before I start moving and don't touch it. I have argued with my DH about his love of the Waze app... he likes responding to the items that pop up (confirming speed traps, cars on the side of the road, etc) and I wish he wouldn't.
It makes me so nervous to see how many people text and drive, have their phones in their hands looking at them while driving 70mph etc.
I don't text and drive, I never have sent a text while driving but I used to look at my phone at red lights/waiting for a train crossing. I've stopped that since reading about how even that can greatly reduce situational awareness and a lot of accidents happen at red lights.
I do use GPS which I feel is the safer option for me as I'm bad at directions and slowing down and peering at signs and such seems more dangerous than glancing at the gps now and then (and mostly I don't even have to look since it tells me)
I can't do anything about the biggest distraction to my driving which is the screaming children in the back unless sound proof partitions in cars become a thing
Post by sunshine608 on Dec 15, 2015 12:19:56 GMT -5
I'm guilty texting at red ligths but I do not text and drive. We were riding down the interstate the other day and I looked over and I saw a man driving 65+ MPH and on Instagram. Shit likes that makes me so angry. What is so damn important on IG???
Doing anything except driving is distracting and kids are probably the most distracting of them all but you make do with that.
Post by tacosforlife on Dec 15, 2015 12:23:12 GMT -5
For those of you who text at red lights: STOP IT!
You are more likely to let your foot off the brake and tap someone or find yourself in the crosswalk. You may not see an emergency vehicle or a developing situation. You should know what's going on around you.
Also, it's still illegal (assuming you don't live in one of the fucked up states that hasn't yet banned texting while driving).
You are more likely to let your foot off the brake and tap someone or find yourself in the crosswalk. You may not see an emergency vehicle or a developing situation. You should know what's going on around you.
Also, it's still illegal (assuming you don't live in one of the fucked up states that hasn't yet banned texting while driving).
STAAAAHHHHHHHHP IT!
Aside from the more important stuff you mention, it's also annoying when the light turns green and the driver in front doesn't realize it and we're all there waiting for them to actually go. I don't honk at them unless it's taking a *really* long time for them to notice the light turned green, but I live in the land of impatience so people behind me honk as soon as the light turns green anyway because apparently you should already be moving ahead slowly to get ready for the light to turn green.
You are more likely to let your foot off the brake and tap someone or find yourself in the crosswalk. You may not see an emergency vehicle or a developing situation. You should know what's going on around you.
Also, it's still illegal (assuming you don't live in one of the fucked up states that hasn't yet banned texting while driving).
STAAAAHHHHHHHHP IT!
Aside from the more important stuff you mention, it's also annoying when the light turns green and the driver in front doesn't realize it and we're all there waiting for them to actually go. I don't honk at them unless it's taking a *really* long time for them to notice the light turned green, but I live in the land of impatience so people behind me honk as soon as the light turns green anyway because apparently you should already be moving ahead slowly to get ready for the light to turn green.
I'm also convinced that this leads to more red light running. Especially when it comes to left turns and the arrows. People are so annoyed that they waited 20 seconds for some jack wagon to get with the program that they just don't care about yellow and red lights.
When I am in the car without DD my distracted driving goes way down. I constantly tell her I can't do something because I am driving. But I do stuff for her at lights which I know isn't good. But she is 2 and doesn't understand why "Stay With Me" isn't on the radio right now. So if I am at a light I will pull out my phone and get it for her. That is less distracting than having her go off about a damn song. Or today she sneezed and made a mess. She couldn't clean it all herself so I had to help her at a light. I do have a question about podcasts, audio books, etc. Maybe pixy0stix can answer. I know hands free is still considered distracting because you can get so involved in the conversation. But wouldn't the same apply to podcasts, etc. I have been listening to Serial in the car. I get it all set up before I move. But as passionate as people are about this story, I could see listening to it being just as distracting or more as having a conversation with someone on a hands-free device. Or you as so into your audiobook that you are not paying full time and attention to your surroundings.
I do not text and drive. In fact my phone automatically sends out a response that reads I am driving and can't text or something like that. But I do have bluetooth in my car and my phone will come through the radio. I don't have to touch my phone at all. I try to not use it often, but I have.
Honestly, this is one reason I'm afraid to listen to audiobooks and podcasts while I drive. If it's a really good audiobook or podcast, I worry I won't pay attention to everything else. And I have a long commute too (45-60 minutes one-way). So I just stick with my glorious satellite radio and sing along to bad 90s music instead (which is probably a bad thing to do too, but I just can't sit in the car in silence either!).
^ That is what I'm getting at. Am I "allowed" to listen to ANYTHING in the car? Must I drive in silence? What am I allowed to do while driving?
Drive. j/k kinda. I cannot drive in silence. My thoughts running through my head would be more distracting than listening to music or a podcast. But I really think that driving is all you are supposed to be doing.
You can't see me, but I'm blowing raspberries right now.
I'm guilty texting at red ligths but I do not text and drive. We were riding down the interstate the other day and I looked over and I saw a man driving 65+ MPH and on Instagram. Shit likes that makes me so angry. What is so damn important on IG???
Doing anything except driving is distracting and kids are probably the most distracting of them all but you make do with that.
One of my favorite things to do at red lights and stopped traffic is look in my rear view mirror. Great people-watching, plus you are situationally aware, but they have no idea you can see them so clearly. Try it some time. Way better than texting!
When I am in the car without DD my distracted driving goes way down. I constantly tell her I can't do something because I am driving. But I do stuff for her at lights which I know isn't good. But she is 2 and doesn't understand why "Stay With Me" isn't on the radio right now. So if I am at a light I will pull out my phone and get it for her. That is less distracting than having her go off about a damn song. Or today she sneezed and made a mess. She couldn't clean it all herself so I had to help her at a light.
I do have a question about podcasts, audio books, etc. Maybe pixy0stix can answer. I know hands free is still considered distracting because you can get so involved in the conversation. But wouldn't the same apply to podcasts, etc. I have been listening to Serial in the car. I get it all set up before I move. But as passionate as people are about this story, I could see listening to it being just as distracting or more as having a conversation with someone on a hands-free device. Or you as so into your audiobook that you are not paying full time and attention to your surroundings.
I do not text and drive. In fact my phone automatically sends out a response that reads I am driving and can't text or something like that. But I do have bluetooth in my car and my phone will come through the radio. I don't have to touch my phone at all. I try to not use it often, but I have.
Is this an app, or something a specific brand of phone does? Distracted driving is my hill to die on, and I'd love to have my phone send that to people. I hate it when I can hear my phone blowing up because someone is frustrated I'm not picking up.
Post by mrsukyankee on Dec 16, 2015 6:55:06 GMT -5
And if you all do need to do something at a red light (such as hand a child something), please, please, please put on the handbrake. At the very least you won't move forward if you accidentally take your foot off the break.