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Distractions for drivers

Don’t let distractions drive you to danger

Distractions are everywhere. It is important as a driver that we don’t let distractions put us in danger.

What is a distraction?

A driver is distracted when they pay attention to a second activity while driving. People cannot always safely multi-task in this way, especially if the second activity is time consuming or complex.

This is due to the extra demands on the drivers focus, attention and time. This can lead to reduced driving standards and to a collision.

Types of driving distractions

There are three types of driving distractions:

Physical distractions – these cause the driver to take one or both hands from the steering wheel

  • This can include messaging or making a phone call, setting a sat nav, or eating. It can also include leaning, stretching or holding items out of the normal driving position. Remember it's illegal to use a hand-held phone while driving - as well as being potentially dangerous. If you're caught you face a £200 fine and six points on your licence.

Cognitive distractions – this leads to attention being drawn away from the task of driving

  • This is when a driver is thinking about something else such as a conversation in the car or on a hands-free phone, or worries or problems that are on their mind.

Visual and audio distractions – these result in the eyes of the driver being taken off the road

  • This involves loud music, looking at things happening outside your vehicle, unexpected noise or movements from passengers or pets, or trying to read a sat nav.

The result of distractions

These distractions are a huge issue for drivers. It can cause them to look less at their mirrors, instrument panels and be less aware of what is going on in the environment around them.

Unsurprisingly, one of the main factors in road traffic collisions for both drivers and pedestrians is 'failing to look'.  

As a result of distractions, a driver may:

  • focus their observations straight ahead
  • not be prepared for the impact that a distraction may have
  • be less able to spot hazards
  • not be aware of whole environment
  • have difficulty controlling speed and distance from the vehicle in front
  • increase their likelihood of an accident

Mobile phones

Mobile phones appear to be a particular cause of distraction in vehicles. The use of a handheld mobile phone whilst driving is linked with accident rates and near misses.

Drivers are four times more likely to crash, resulting in injury or death of themselves and others.

Whether sending a message, searching for a location on a map or accessing your social media at the traffic lights on your hand-held phone – these things are not only dangerous, but also illegal.

The law

You can use a hand held phone only when you are safely parked or you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it is unsafe or not practical to stop.

6 penalty points and a £200 fine is applicable if you use a hand-held phone whilst driving.

If you have passed your driving test in the last 2 years, you will lose your license.

The law applies under the following circumstances; if you are stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic, and supervising a learner driver.

You can also receive 3 penalty points if you do not have a full clear view of the road and traffic ahead or being in proper control of the vehicle.

When drivers use a mobile phone (hand held or hands free) they:

  • aren’t fully aware of the road environment around them
  • are less likely to see road signs
  • are less likely to control the correct lane position and be aware of their speed and may tailgate the vehicle in front
  • have slower reactions, taking longer to brake and stop
  • may result in unsafe manoeuvres, for example, moving into unsafe gaps in the traffic
  • can make the driver more stressed and frustrated.

Even driving using a hands-free phone does not have any impact on reducing the risks. This is due to the mental distractions and split attention of the telephone call whilst driving.

What if I have to make a call or take a call?

If you need to make or take a call when you are driving, stop and find a safe place to park and turn your engine off. The Highway Code advises that you must switch off your engine.

If you need to take a call whilst driving via hands-free, stop safely and answer or let the caller leave a voicemail and return the call once you have stopped safely or reached your destination.

If you call someone and suspect that they are driving, ask them are you driving? Is it safe to talk? Do you want to call me when it is safe?

Please do not distract people when they are driving.

Take action against distraction

Prepare yourself and your car before starting your journey

  • focus on your driving and think about your journey, be prepared for your drive and plan your route so you know where you are going.
  • if you need to use your sat nav, make sure it's programmed to your destination before you set off.
  • have your radio stations pre-set or your music playlists sorted before you drive off. If you need to, stop the vehicle in a safe place to set or make any alterations. 
  • send any texts or make calls before you start the engine, then turn your phone off or on silent and place it safely out of reach e.g. in the glove box.
  • if you’re running late, don’t be tempted to undertake tasks in a moving car that are normally done within the home e.g. eat breakfast, sorting your hair or cosmetics.

How not to be distracted

Here are some ideas and things to consider to help towards staying safe:

  • if you have to take a call or resolve an issue within the vehicle, find a safe place and pull over. Park safely until you are ready to drive again having concluded the situation.
  • eating while driving can be very distracting, whether you’re trying to unwrap food or worrying about crumbs and spillages. This takes attention away from the road and your surroundings, can decrease driver reaction times and poses an issue as one hand is removed from the wheel.
  • ask passengers to keep the music and the conversations at a level where you can hear the sat nav and other noises around you.
  • don’t drive if you are unable to give driving your full attention e.g. if you are unwell, drowsy or feeling very stressed.
  • speak to a local driving instructor who will be able to advise you of courses available that may suit you if you desire some additional or refresher driver training.

#DontDriveDistracted

Information has been gathered from a variety of sources including www.rospa.com and the AA.

Traffic and Transportation Section

Phone: 0303 123 1015