Cognitive Distractions While Driving: What You Need to Know

by | May 11, 2023 | Traffic School

Driving is an essential activity that we engage in every day, whether we are commuting to work, running errands, or simply enjoying a leisurely drive. It is an activity that requires our full attention and concentration to ensure our safety and the safety of others on the road. However, with the rise of smartphones and other mobile devices, cognitive distractions have become increasingly common among drivers, leading to an alarming increase in accidents and fatalities on the road.

What are Cognitive Distractions?

Cognitive distractions are mental tasks or activities that take our attention away from driving. These distractions can be either external or internal, and they can significantly impair our ability to react to potential hazards on the road. Examples of cognitive distractions include:

  1. Talking on a phone: Whether it is a hands-free or handheld phone, talking on the phone can distract drivers from the road and cause them to miss important visual and auditory cues.
  2. Texting and emailing: Texting or emailing while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of cognitive distraction. It requires drivers to take their hands off the wheel, their eyes off the road, and their attention away from driving.
  3. Eating and drinking: Eating and drinking while driving can also distract drivers from the road. It can cause them to take their hands off the wheel, and their minds off driving.
  4. Daydreaming: Daydreaming or mind wandering is an example of internal cognitive distraction. It occurs when drivers are lost in thought and not paying attention to the road.

The Dangers of Cognitive Distractions While Driving

Cognitive distractions while driving can have severe consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019 alone, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,142 people in the United States. This number is an increase from the previous year, despite numerous public campaigns warning of the dangers of distracted driving.

Cognitive distractions can impair a driver’s ability to react to hazards on the road. It can cause delayed reaction times, decreased awareness, and impaired judgment. It is crucial to remember that accidents can happen in a split second, and any amount of cognitive distraction can increase the likelihood of an accident.

How to Avoid Cognitive Distractions While Driving

Avoiding cognitive distractions while driving is essential to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. Here are some tips on how to avoid cognitive distractions while driving:

  1. Put your phone away: Turn off your phone, put it on silent mode, or place it in the glove compartment. If you need to make a call or send a message, pull over to a safe location and do so.
  2. Eat and drink before driving: Finish eating and drinking before getting behind the wheel. If you need to eat or drink while driving, make sure it is something that can be consumed easily with one hand.
  3. Stay focused on the road: Keep your mind focused on driving, and avoid daydreaming or getting lost in thought.
  4. Use a GPS system: If you are driving to an unfamiliar destination, use a GPS system to guide you. This will help you avoid distractions caused by looking at a map or asking for directions.

Cognitive distractions while driving can have severe consequences, and it is crucial to avoid them at all costs. By following the tips above, you can stay focused on the road and reduce the risk of accidents. Remember, driving is a responsibility that should be taken seriously, and it requires our full attention and concentration to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.

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