Multi-Tasking Behind the Wheel: Why Trying to Do Too Much While Driving Is Risky

Driving is a complex task that requires a person’s full attention in order to do it safely. However, the prevalence of technology, and the busy multitasking lives people lead today, means more and more drivers are trying to juggle other activities while behind the wheel. This distracted driving is hazardous and leads to thousands of accidents every year.

The Dangers of Multitasking While Driving

Many people underestimate the dangers of multitasking during driving because operating a vehicle can feel routine. However, studies show the risks are very real:

Impaired Attention: Driving requires visual, manual and cognitive attention. Engaging in another activity diverts attention from the road and slows reaction times. Even activities like talking or eating can have an impact.
Increased Crash Risk: One study found drivers who were multitasking were 2-3 times more likely to be in a crash or near-crash event compared to attentive drivers. The more complex the secondary task, the higher the risk.
Dangerous Levels of Distraction: Some forms of multitasking take the driver’s attention completely off the road for several seconds at a time. At highway speeds, this equals traveling the length of a football field blindfolded.
Difficulty Resuming Focus: Research shows it’s more difficult to get back to the task of driving after being distracted, meaning drivers remain impaired for a period after the secondary activity ends.

Common Distracting Behaviors Behind the Wheel

A survey by the AAA Foundation found that nearly 60% of drivers report engaging in distracting multitasking while driving in the past month, including:

Talking on a handheld phone
Texting or emailing
Eating and drinking
Interacting with passengers, especially children
Personal grooming
Using vehicle infotainment and navigation systems
Reading maps or books

Additionally, drivers today try to squeeze in work and social media activities on the go, meaning behaviors like video chatting, online shopping and scrolling through social apps while driving are rising.

The Role of Technology in Driver Distraction

The influx of technology over the past two decades in vehicles and personal devices has dramatically increased the potential for distraction. Drivers now have entertainment, communication and information access at their fingertips. While these technologies provide convenience and enjoyment, they also pose safety risks if used irresponsibly behind the wheel. GPS systems, cellular devices, in-dash touch screens and voice controls all have the potential to divert attention visually, manually and cognitively.

Traits that Contribute to Multitasking While Driving

While anyone can drive distracted, research has identified some characteristics common among drivers who frequently multitask:

Difficulty resisting distraction

For some, the alerts and connectivity of devices override any motivation to abstain from multitasking. These compulsive behaviors can reflect neurological traits.

Overconfidence

Studies show people often have exaggerated confidence in their own multitasking abilities. Many believe they can safely accomplish secondary activities while driving even though it degrades focus.

Time urgency

The desire to maximize productivity leads some drivers to conduct phone calls, eat meals or apply makeup behind the wheel rather than pull over briefly. This hurrying mentality increases distraction risk.

Poor impulse control

People naturally seek mental stimulation, but some have difficulties regulating these impulses. These drivers may excessively interact with passengers or give in to tech distractions.

Strategies to Reduce Multitasking While Driving

With practice and improved self-awareness, drivers can work to break bad multitasking habits. Experts recommend strategies like:

Turn it off: Silence phones and put them out of reach before driving. Disable alerts and notifications so they aren’t tempting.
Plan ahead: Finish dressing, personal grooming and meals before the drive. Passengers can help navigate.
Just drive: Make a commitment to focus solely on driving. Verbally tell passengers you plan to concentrate fully.
Pull over: If you need to make a call or program your GPS, pull over to a safe area first before performing the task.
Speak up: Ask other drivers to refrain from calling or texting you when they know you are behind the wheel.

The risks of attempting to multitask while behind the wheel are well documented. No text message or sandwich is worth someone’s life. Drivers should commit to distraction-free driving by focusing fully on the road and resisting the temptation to juggle secondary activities. With intention and practice, single-tasking becomes automatic, and roads become safer for everyone.

Public Awareness and Education

Bringing greater public awareness to the dangers of multitasking while driving can help curb these behaviors. Distracted driving campaigns should provide education on:

The true risk of common distracting activities: Many drivers underestimate how even quick glances away from the road or minor mental distractions impact safety.
Tragic real-life consequences: Storytelling and testimonials from crash victims make the risk real. When people connect to the grief caused by deaths and injuries from distracted driving, they gain perspective.
Responsibilities: Drivers have an obligation to protect public safety on shared roads. Messaging should make distracted driving as socially unacceptable as drunk driving.
Coping strategies: Give people simple alternatives to use when the urge to multitask hits, like storing phones in the trunk or glovebox.
Laws and enforcement: Inform people of legal consequences and increased police enforcement around distracted driving laws. This can provide motivation to comply.

Technological Solutions

While personal responsibility is key, technology providers can also be part of the solution. Automakers should limit in-vehicle distractions by disabling certain phone functions when the car is in motion. Apps can auto-reply to texts while driving. Passive monitoring features can also help drivers self-regulate. But technology cannot replace the need for greater public vigilance around the hazards of distracted driving.

Driving requires full attention and focus. While technology brings many benefits behind the wheel, using it irresponsibly also poses threats. By increasing awareness and promoting mindful, distraction-free driving, everyone can help make the roads a little bit safer.

Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, it’s important to explore your legal options. An experienced personal injury attorney from Pencheff & Fraley can help determine if you have grounds to pursue compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. We understand what evidence is needed to build a strong case demonstrating the at-fault driver was negligent.

Visit our office for a chat about your accident:

Westerville – 4151 Executive Pkwy, Suite 355, Westerville, OH 43081
Mansfield – 33 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd, Mansfield, OH 44906

Call now for a free consultation on (614) 224-4114.