Reduce your distractions while driving

Each year, approximately 3000 people die in crashes that involve a distracted driver, and in 2019, over 420,000 were injured with many of these incidents being preventable.

Minimize distractions and don’t multitask

It’s common for people to multitask while driving—it could be eating, adjusting a mirror, sending a text, making a call, plugging an address into navigation or even scanning the radio. But even the smallest actions, where your focus is off the road for just a moment can lead to an accident or death. As a driver to minimize distractions and prevent multitasking you can:

• Take care of any actions before or after your trip (set your radio station, make a call, eat a snack, and so on). Avoid these actions during the trip itself.
• Pull over to a safe space if something requires your immediate attention—don’t try to handle it while you’re driving.

And if you’re a passenger, offer to help the driver minimize distractions. For example, you can:

• Assist with the navigation.
• Change the radio station.
• Send a text on the driver’s behalf.

Use technology to your advantage

It’s no surprise the use of smartphones contributes to distracted driving. However, there are ways your device can actually help minimize distractions. You can download apps, add services to your wireless plan and even have devices installed in your vehicle—all of which prevent drivers from texting, calling, or using the internet while driving. Even simply activating the “do not disturb” feature on your phone while driving can make an impact in minimizing distractions.

Communicate

A simple conversation can go a long way. If you’re a passenger in a car and notice the driver is distracted, speak up. Ask them to focus on the road and offer to help with the distractions. If you’re a parent or guardian, talk to your young driver about their responsibilities while driving.

This includes:

• Reviewing the rules of the road.
• Sharing stories or statistics related to distracted driving.
• Discussing how to drive safely.
• Setting consequences for distracted driving.
• Reminding them that driving requires their full attention: they need to keep their eyes on the road and be fully aware of their surroundings.
• Emphasizing that their life and safety is the most important thing. Calls and texts can wait until later.

And don’t forget, as a role model for your young driver, you need to set an example while driving.

Stay informed and educated

There are multiple resources and programs to help you understand the consequences behind distracted driving, as well as how to minimize distractions. A few tips:

• Know your state’s laws regarding distracted driving. Be aware of any penalties and go over the consequences with young drivers.
• Register for a motor vehicle injury prevention program or event. These offer opportunities to refresh skills, simulate distracted driving situations, and gain first-hand expert advice. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital also partners with schools to teach young adults about how to engage in safe driving practices, preventing traumatic injury and death.
• Check out tips and statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The injuries and deaths caused by distracted driving are preventable, and it’s up to drivers to follow the rules of the road and keep themselves and others safe.
For more information about resources or programs, email the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Injury Prevention program at SNGH_InjPrev@sentara.com.