The demands of work, the need to spend quality time with family and extracurricular activities keep our lives very, very busy. Multi-tasking has become a way of life. However, when it comes to driving and drowsy driving, focusing is our only option. Driver distraction is not a new problem. With today’s technological advances, vehicles manufactured for drivers serve a dual purpose – transportation and entertainment. They are equipped with tv/dvd players, wireless telephones, internet services, navigation devices, and other sophisticated devices. Even a brief lapse in concentration behind the wheel can result in devastating consequences. Victims of distracted driving crashes don’t fall into any one group—they are family, friends, co-workers, and even children. 

Is distracted driving a serious issue?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involve some form of driver inattention within three seconds before the event.

Distractions come in three forms: physical, cognitive and mental. Anything that distracts a driver from the primary task of operating a motor vehicle is unsafe.  Some of the most unsafe behaviors while driving are talking on a cell phone, texting-while-driving, holding lengthy/emotional conversations with other passengers, attending to children, reading newspapers or maps, using technologies or smart cars, adjusting vehicle controls, personal grooming and eating. 

Tips to avoiding distracted and drowsy driving:

• An obvious cause of fatigue is lack of sleep. Get enough rest.  Sleep deprivation can lead to severe lapses in your ability to pay attention while driving and equals the effects of drunk driving.
• Pay Attention. Even a brief lapse in concentration can have dire consequences. Keep your eyes focused on the road and concentrate on driving. Driver instructors estimate that a driver makes 200 decisions for every mile of driving -- for experienced drivers these are often automatic. 
• Hands-free doesn’t equal risk free. Use cell phones wisely. At 60 miles per hour, if you take your mind off the road to answer an incoming call or dial a number on your phone, your vehicle will travel 88 feet per second! Please stop somewhere safe and use your cell phone in a responsible manner.
• Driving a car requires focus. Your commute is not the time to do chores, apply makeup, shave, or read the newspaper. These activities take your eyes off of the road and put you and other drivers in danger.

Maryland Fast Facts

• In 2006, there were 51 distracted driving-related fatalities in Maryland.
• In 2006, there were 27,830 distracted-driving-related crashes resulting in the injury of 14,177 people.
• Drivers 16 to 20 are involved in a significantly higher percentage of crashes and are injured more often.
• One-quarter of the driver fatalities were in the 21-29 age group.
• Distracted driving crashes are more likely to occur between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

National Statistics

In April 2006, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute released a research study that revealed 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved some form of driver inattention within the three seconds before a crash.  Inattention was a contributing factor for 93 percent of rear-end-striking crashes.  The study also indicated that the use of hand-held and or hands-free cell phone use was not the only distraction for drivers. 

The societal cost of car crashes nationwide is a staggering $164.2 billion annually, nearly two and a half times greater than the $67.6 billion price tag for congestion, according to a recent report released by AAA.

Maryland Laws

Drivers under the age of 18 holding a learner or intermediate permit may not use a wireless communication device, except to contact a 911 system.  A police officer may enforce this section only as a secondary action when the police officer detains a driver for a suspected violation of another provision of the code.

Inattentive driving is negligent driving and could lead to a citation that carries a penalty of a $140 fine and a point against your driver’s license. If the negligent driving contributes to a crash, the fine increases to $280 with a three-point penalty.

Maryland Campaigns

The Maryland Inattentive Driving Program is coordinated by the Maryland Highway Safety Office.  The JUST DRIVE educational program was launched as an effort to distribute public information and educational materials to heighten the awareness of distracted driving. 

Tips for Drivers

• Stay focused and alert at all times.
• Avoid using cell phones while driving - allow calls to go to voicemail.
• Practice short glances and avoid prolonged staring.
• Never read, write, or take down numbers while driving.
• Conduct personal grooming before leaving or after reaching your destination.
• Make sure children are properly restrained before you start driving.
• Avoid eating, drinking and changing controls while driving.
• Never look for lost or fallen items while driving.
• Do not allow technologies to divert your attention or concentration.

Tips for Passengers

• Be alert.
• Dial or answer the cell phone for the driver.
• Limit conversations with the driver if possible.
• Obtain plenty of rest in the event you are asked to drive periodically.
• Review directions before traveling.

What can Marylanders do to combat this problem?

• Pay attention - a brief lapse in concentration can have dire consequences.
• Stop somewhere safe and use your cell phone in a responsible manner.
• Leave 2-3 car lengths between you and the car in front of you.
• Be aware of the vehicles around you in case you need to make a sudden lane. change.
• Watch out for other drivers because they may not see you.
• Safe driving starts with you - Pay attention and Buckle up!

Resources

www.drivingskillsforlife.com
www.safercar.gov
www.circadian.com
www.trafficsafety.org
www.sleepfoundation.org
www.drowsydriving.org