At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers
are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving,
a number that has held steady since 2010 according to distraction.gov.
Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention
away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver,
passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:
- Texting
- Using a cell phone or smartphone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps
- Using a navigation system
- Watching a video
- Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
But, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention
from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction. The best
way to end distracted driving is to educate all Americans about the danger
it poses. To learn more about what can be done to stop distracted driving, visit
distraction.gov.