Distractions are still a major concern when it comes to driving. There are three types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), getting visually distracted for 5 seconds while driving at 55mph is similar to driving an entire football field blindfolded.
In the US, distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. In 2022, 11.2% of traffic crashes were caused by driver distraction. This article will explore the most common visual distractions and how to prevent them.
What Are Visual Distractions?
Visual distraction is when a driver diverts attention from the road to focus on something else. Unlike manual distractions such as eating or adjusting control and cognitive distractions like daydreaming, visual distractions directly affect a person’s ability to perceive and respond to their surroundings. There are two types of visions: central and peripheral.
Central vision is focused and you see what is directly in front of your eyes. This is what we use when driving. Peripheral vision allows you to see things in your surroundings. When drivers are visually distracted, they assume that they are using their peripheral vision, which is very poor, even for young people.
Types of Visual Distractions
Here are some common types of visual distractions:
1. Cell Phones and Screens
Smartphones are the biggest enemies and causes of distracted driving. Reading a text, checking notifications, or scrolling on social media forces you to take your eyes off the road. Additionally, modern cars come with very large screens where people use the GPS app to check navigation.
Texting while driving is so severe that it is currently banned by 49 states. According to the National Safety Council, in 2023, there were around 1.6 million accidents annually caused by drivers using their cell phones and texting.
2. Billboards and Roadside Advertisements
Bright billboards or digital advertisements along highways and other roads can easily divert a driver’s attention away from the road. Some of these advertisements include moving animations or brightly colored words. These distractions can cause a temporary focus lapse that may result in a collision.
3. Accidents and Roadside Incidents
You’ll be surprised to know that many accidents happen because of rubbernecking. This is when drivers slow down to look at an accident or emergency vehicle on the side of the road. This temporary distraction can lead to rear-end collisions or even pileups.
4. Road Signs
Ironically, road signs are supposed to guide drivers but still cause visual distractions. Drivers who are unfamiliar with an area may spend more time trying to read street signs or exit numbers. This takes their attention off immediate road conditions.
5. Passengers and Other Inside the Car Activities
Turning your neck to talk to passengers, check on children, look for things on the passenger seat and the floor, or adjust the radio diverts your attention from the road. Conversations, especially emotional ones, can make drivers take their eyes off the road longer than they realize.
How to Prevent Visual Distractions
The main effect of distracted driving is the increased risk of car accidents, which lead to severe injuries and sometimes even fatalities. Preventing these distractions helps to keep the road safe. Drivers can do this by:
- Putting their phones away while driving. Set “Do Not Disturb” mode to avoid temptation.
- Avoid rubbernecking and stay focused on your lane.
- Set your route in advance on your GPS and rely on voice directions.
- Limit car distractions by keeping conversations brief and ensuring children are settled before starting your journey.
Conclusion
Visual distractions are a threat to road safety, leading to accidents that, to some extent, are preventable. Drivers need to take the necessary measures to ensure they are focused on the road at all times.
