Common Causes of Distracted Driving | Pencheff and Fraley LPA.

Distracted driving is a serious problem on Oklahoma roads, contributing to a significant number of accidents every year. Understanding the common causes of these distractions is crucial to promoting safer driving habits and reducing the risk of collisions. While any activity that diverts attention from the road constitutes distracted driving, some are more prevalent and dangerous than others.

Cell Phone Use: A Leading Culprit

Undoubtedly, cell phone use reigns supreme as the most common distraction for drivers in Oklahoma and nationwide. Texting, talking on the phone, browsing social media, and using navigation apps all fall under this category. The danger lies in the fact that cell phone use engages multiple types of distraction:

Visual: Taking your eyes off the road to look at your phone.
Manual: Taking your hands off the steering wheel to interact with the device.
Cognitive: Diverting your mental focus away from driving and onto the phone’s content.

Oklahoma law prohibits texting while driving, but even hands-free calling can significantly impair cognitive function and reaction time. It’s crucial to remember that any cell phone interaction while driving, regardless of legality, can have dangerous consequences.

In-Car Technologies: A Double-Edged Sword

Modern vehicles are equipped with increasingly sophisticated technology, including infotainment systems, GPS navigation, and climate control. While designed to enhance the driving experience, these features can also become sources of distraction if not used responsibly. Adjusting radio settings, programming navigation, or interacting with touchscreens can divert a driver’s attention from the road, especially in complex traffic situations. Familiarizing yourself with these systems before driving and utilizing voice commands whenever possible can help minimize distraction.

Passengers: Conversations and Commotion

Passengers, especially children and pets, can be a significant source of distraction. Engaging in conversations, managing children’s needs, or dealing with unrestrained pets can divert a driver’s attention and compromise their ability to react to changing road conditions. It’s important to establish clear expectations with passengers about minimizing distractions and ensuring children are properly secured before starting the journey.

Eating and Drinking: A Common Overlooked Hazard

While seemingly harmless, eating and drinking while driving can be surprisingly distracting. Spilling a drink, fumbling with food packaging, or reaching for items can take a driver’s hands off the wheel and eyes off the road. It’s best to avoid eating and drinking while driving, especially complex meals or beverages. If necessary, pull over to a safe location to enjoy your meal or drink.

Personal Issues: Stress and Fatigue

Driving while emotionally distressed, fatigued, or drowsy can significantly impair judgment and reaction time. Stressful life events, lack of sleep, or even certain medications can contribute to these states. It’s crucial to recognize these factors and avoid driving when experiencing significant emotional distress or fatigue. Pulling over to rest, taking a break from driving, or seeking support from others are safer alternatives.

Driving Under the Influence: A Grave Danger

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous. Impaired driving drastically reduces reaction time, impairs judgment, and increases the risk of severe accidents. Never drive under the influence, and always plan for a designated driver or alternative transportation. Oklahoma has strict DUI laws, and the consequences of impaired driving can be devastating.

Distracted driving is a preventable problem. By understanding the common causes of distraction and adopting safer driving habits, Oklahoma drivers can contribute to safer roads for everyone. Staying focused, minimizing distractions, and prioritizing safe driving practices are crucial steps towards reducing accidents and ensuring a safer driving experience in Oklahoma.

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