Distracted driving is literally driving while distracted. Many different things can cause these distractions. And while accidents are accidents, there are repercussions from accidents caused by distracted driving that might be serious for commercial motor vehicle drivers. For this reason, it’s important for employers and drivers alike to avoid the distracting behaviors behind the wheel in order to prevent potentially deadly accidents.
How Bad is the Distracted Driving Problem?
Unfortunately, there are no reliable indicators of exactly how widespread the problem is. Largely because it isn’t like DUI accidents where you can measure the driver’s BAC. It is much more difficult to prove distracted driving in many cases unless there is evidence to support eyewitness claims.
The one thing we do know is that the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has conducted extensive studies since the early 1990s to determine that taking your eyes off the road for as little as two seconds doubles your odds of an accident.
What Types of Distractions Cause Accidents?
There are many different types of distractions that cause accidents. Some of them you may have never considered as potential life-threatening distractions. While we’ve all heard of the dangers associated with texting or dialing mobile phones while driving, this remains one of the primary culprits. Other distractions behind the wheel include:
- Using GPS navigation devices.
- Reading maps.
- Watching videos.
- Applying makeup, shaving, fixing hair, etc.
- Eating or drinking while driving – especially if required to take your eyes of the road.
- Tuning your radios.
- Lighting a cigarette or smoking.
- Searching around for objects in the vehicle while driving.
There is legislation at play designed to reduce distracted driving accidents. The FMCSA is working hard to address this problem for commercial motor vehicles by passing aggressive regulations and restrictions about the use of mobile phones in commercial trucks and other commercial motor vehicles.
While mobile phones may be public enemy number one when it comes to distracted driving, distractions behind the wheel of large CMVs can be particularly devastating. This is why FMCSA has gone to such extraordinary lengths to deter the use of mobile phones behind the wheel, going so far as to restrict drivers from even holding them when behind the wheel. Additionally, drivers may only use mobile phones if they are secured within easy reach of drivers and operated with a single touch.
Peak PTT radios offer a wide range of products designed to meet the DOT requirements and operate in complete compliance than to their one-touch use for dialing, answering, and more. Contact Peak PTT today to learn about the many ways we can help you reduce distracted driving among your team of drivers.