3 Distracted Driving Examples That Aren’t Your Cell Phone

How often have we been told to stay off our cell phones while driving? We have all seen tips about planning a playlist, using text-to-talk or hands-free calling, and entering the destination into the GPS before leaving. But a phone isn’t the only potential distraction when behind the wheel.

In 2021, more than 360,000 people sustained injuries on U.S. roadways as a result of distracted driving—an 11% increase from 2020. Not to mention, 13% of vehicle collisions can be tied back to driver distraction as a contributing factor, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Despite the known risks, distracted driving is a huge problem. And it's more than just young or inexperienced drivers. In a 2022 survey, 77% of respondents admitted they used a cell phone while driving. And 34% admitted they nearly crashed while driving distracted.

Driving distractions can be grouped into three main categories: visual, manual, and cognitive. Here are some examples:

• Visual: This is when your eyes leave the road. In addition to your phone, this could be checking out a crash site, looking for an item that just fell, or even a passenger showing you a super funny meme.
• Manual: This is when you take your hands off the wheel to grab something. It could be helping your child find their pacifier, adjusting your in-car entertainment system, grabbing coffee, or fixing your hair.
• Cognitive: This is when you take your mind off the road and are not focused. You could be talking with your passenger, thinking about an upcoming appointment, or daydreaming.

Even quick distractions can lead to serious consequences. A recent insurance claim example saw a semi-truck driver cause a fatal accident when taking their eyes off the road for a few seconds to place their coffee mug in a cup holder. So, next time you get behind the wheel, be aware of visual, manual, and cognitive distractions and look to prevent them in any way possible.