Distracted Driving Behaviors That Are Impacting All Drivers
Distracted driving has become more of a concern over the years. Cell phone use like texting, talking, and social media use while driving has become some of the most common distractions while driving. Other risky behaviors include adjusting the radio, putting on makeup, eating, and drinking. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021 alone distracted driving killed more than 3,520 people.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. It’s a good time to remind people of safety tips when it comes to navigating the roads. This month you may see increased law enforcement on the roadways as part of national campaigns such as Put the Phone Away or Pay and others. According to the NHTSA, this campaign reminds drivers of the deadly dangers and legal consequences including fines.
Recently, Nationwide, an auto insurance company, polled standard drivers and commercial drivers to reveal risky behaviors that are impacting all drivers on the road. They found that 34% of commercial drivers admitted they sometimes or often feel distracted behind the wheel. Interestingly, their peers are noticing because 6 out of 10 agree that other commercial drivers are looking at their phones more often and driving faster than they did a year ago.
The primary causes of distractions for commercial drivers.
According to the survey, 55% of commercial drivers are using GPS/Nav systems. Regarding phone usage, 36% are responding to work text messages, 27% are texting and talking on phones, and 13% are checking social media apps.
“Many commercial drivers report taking these actions for work purposes,” they stated. “This could suggest they are feeling pressured by their employer to make tight timelines, which are causing distractions while behind the wheel,” they continued.
The survey also revealed that 90% of consumers say that they feel it is dangerous to hold a phone in their hand while driving, whether to talk, text, or navigate.
The blame game with distracted driving.
Consumers reported that the problem is other drivers with 80% rating their own driving as “very good” or “excellent,” compared to other passenger cars on the road (14%) or commercial vehicles (25%). Additionally, 92% agree driving has become more dangerous, reporting that other drivers are looking at their phones more often.
More findings from Nationwide.
“Nationwide’s telematics driving data shows that drivers take their eyes off the road at least 12 times per day. The average distraction for a driver traveling at 45MPH would cover the length of three football fields! States with hands-free laws are helping to minimize distraction, but we need all 50 states to adopt hands-free laws to continue to reduce crashes and save lives,” said Kelly Hernandez, AVP of Nationwide’s personal telematics.
They mentioned that 89% support laws or legislation in their state to prohibit drivers from holding their cell phones while talking or manually using their cell phones to text, email or look at anything on their phones while operating a motor vehicle.
According to the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL), as of September 2023, 29 U.S. states (plus the District of Columbia) have a ban on using handheld devices for all drivers anytime they are behind the wheel. These hands-free states include Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, and New Jersey, among others.
Roadside Frustrations: 8 Most Annoying Habits Of Other Drivers
The Lane Hogger
You know the type. They leisurely cruise along in the left lane, seemingly oblivious to the growing line of cars behind them. They show no intention of moving over, despite signs clearly indicating slower traffic should keep right. It’s as if they believe they own that lane and everyone else is just passing through.
The Indecisive Merge Master
You’re approaching a merging lane, diligently signaling your intention to merge, when suddenly you spot them—the driver who can’t seem to commit to either accelerating to merge or slowing down to let you in. They teeter on the edge of indecision, causing a chaotic dance of hesitant maneuvering that disrupts the flow of traffic.
The Tailgater
We’ve all encountered the driver who seemingly has a vendetta against personal space. They ride your bumper with an intensity that could rival a race car driver. Whether they’re running late or simply have a persistent need to assert dominance, their tailgating antics create an anxiety-inducing experience.
The Incessant Honker
Honking is meant to be a communication tool, a gentle reminder to draw attention to potential dangers or to express gratitude. However, a special breed of drivers wield their horns like a weapon of mass annoyance. They honk at the slightest inconvenience, from a fraction-of-a-second delay at a green light to a cautious pedestrian exercising their right of way.
The Distracted Doodler
We’re all aware of the dangers of distracted driving, yet some individuals choose to engage in activities outside the confines of a moving vehicle. From applying makeup and eating full meals to scrolling through social media or engaging in animated conversations, these drivers treat their cars as mobile living rooms. Their lack of focus puts us all at risk, and we can’t help but wonder if they have forgotten that driving requires undivided attention.
The Fast Lane Snail
The left lane, aka the fast lane, is meant for, well, going fast. But there’s always that one driver who decides to take a leisurely Sunday drive right there, blocking everyone else behind them. This forces other drivers to undertake risky maneuvers to overtake them, leading to frustration and potentially dangerous situations.
The Traffic Rule Ignorer
Traffic rules exist for a reason. To maintain order, safety, and efficiency on the roads. However, some drivers seemingly view these rules as mere suggestions. They run red lights, ignore stop signs, and make illegal U-turns with complete disregard for the potential consequences. Their actions create chaos and put everyone around them at risk.
The Turn Signal Skippers
It’s like these drivers believe that turn signals are optional car accessories. They change lanes or make turns without a single blinker in sight, leaving the rest of us to play mind readers and guess their next move.
