DISTRACTED DRIVING

Use of phone while driving.

1. What is Distracted Driving?

Definition: Any activity that takes attention away from driving.

Examples: Using a phone, eating, adjusting music or GPS, reaching for objects.

Why it’s dangerous: Diverts your eyes, hands, and mind from driving, increasing the risk of accidents.

2. Types of Phone-Related Distractions

• Visual: Taking eyes off the road (e.g., reading a text).
• Manual: Taking hands off the wheel (e.g., typing a message).
• Cognitive: Taking mind off driving (e.g., talking on the phone).

Tip: Using a phone often combines all three distractions at once, making it extremely dangerous.

3. Risks of Using a Phone While Driving: Drivers using phones are 4x more likely to crash. Texting while driving increases crash risk by 23x. Even 5 seconds of distraction at 100 km/h = driving blind for over 50 meters. Consequences: Accidents, injuries, fatalities, fines, jail, emotional trauma.

4. Safe Driving Practices Enable “Do Not Disturb” Mode while driving. Pull over safely for urgent calls or messages. Use hands-free devices only for urgent calls. Set GPS, music, and navigation before driving. Avoid multitasking – focus solely on the road. Ask passengers not to distract you. Tip: Make a personal pledge to never use your phone while driving.

5. Self-Reflection Questions

• Have you ever seen someone distracted by a phone while driving?
• How would phone use affect your reaction time in an emergency?
• What steps can you personally take to stay safe while driving?

6. Quick Self-Check Quiz

1. Name the three types of phone distractions.

2. True or False: Hands-free devices remove all distraction risks.

3. What should you do if you get an urgent message while driving?

Answers:

1. Visual, Manual, Cognitive

2. False – cognitive distraction may still occur

3. Pull over safely before responding

 No message or call is worth risking a life. Phone distractions can be fatal – focus entirely on driving.

Practice safe driving habits every time you get behind the wheel.

Remember: Text later. Drive now. Eyes on the road. Phone down.