Keep Your Mind (and eyes) on the Road

Multi tasking while driving is something that many do in order to keep up with the fast pace lives we live. It only takes a moment of not focusing on the activity of driving and your surroundings to have yours and others lives turned upside down. Every driver could improve their driving focus and drive less distracted.

What is distracted driving?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is “any activity that diverts attention from driving — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.” There are three main types of distractions:

Visual: taking your eyes off the road

Manual: taking your hands off the wheel

Cognitive: taking your mind off driving

Any of these distractions can endanger you, your passengers, and others on the road. Here are some specific examples:

Texting or dialing your phone or hand-held wireless device.
Using your tablet or portable gaming system.
Programming a GPS (if not via voice command).
Eating, drinking, smoking, grooming/applying makeup, reaching for things, or reading while driving.

According to Michigan Traffic Crash facts, distracted driving caused 15,136 crashes, resulting in 5,889 injuries and 59 deaths in Michigan in 2023. The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) said that cell phone usage is the most common form of distracted driving. In 2023, the state of Michigan implemented a hands-free law in an effort to reduce distracted driver crashes caused by electronic devices.

Penalties for distracted driving in Michigan:

1^st violation – $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service.
Subsequent violations – $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service.
3 violations within a 3-yr. period – Complete a driving-improvement course.
Fines Doubled – If a traffic crash occurs and the at-fault driver was holding or manually using a mobile device while operating the vehicle, any civil fines will be doubled.

How to prevent being distracted by mobile devices/phones

We have become programmed to respond to our phones as soon as they chime, beep, or vibrate. Here are some tips on what you can do to avoid becoming distracted by your device while driving:

Turn your mobile device off: This is the easiest and the hardest solution. Try turning your phone off when you enter your car, then turning it back on when you get out.
Hide your device: Even if you have your phone off and it is beside you, you might be tempted to power it up while driving to see if you’ve missed a call or message. Try putting your device in the trunk of the car before getting in. You probably will not even miss it.

Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb”: Most phones have this feature. It will prevent calls and texts from coming in unless the caller is on a designated list or the same number calls multiple times in a row. Setting your device to “Do Not Disturb” with your Bluetooth activated ensures only important calls come through.
Give your phone to a passenger: If you are expecting an important call or text, give your phone to someone else who can respond. They can take care of the call while you take care of the driving.