6 Insights About Distracted Driving

The Emphasis on Distracted Driving

Campaigns against distracted driving have been around for longer than cell phones have, but with roadways becoming busier and faster, and 5.27 billion people now using mobile phones, distractions are higher than they've ever been.

According to the National Safety Council, 42,060 people died from motor vehicle crashes in 2020 – an interesting statistic because overall miles driven dropped 13% due to the pandemic, yet the rate of death spiled 24% over the previous 12-month period. With this in mind, fleet intelligence platform Omnitracs gathered some key insights in a study to highlight the escalated risk of distracted vs non-distracted drivers.

1. The Most Distracted Truckers are 72% More Likely to Be Involved in "Near Collision" Accidents

During the study, it was found that collision drivers have much higher distraction rates than non-collision drivers, with rates ranging from 15-90% higher. Despite federal laws in place that limit handheld phone usage while driving, collision drivers were found to be 90.3% more distracted while talking and 60.7% more distracted while texting or dialing on cell phones.

Even when a collision has not taken place, the data shows that distracted drivers are 72% more likely to become involved in a near collision situation, with mobile phone use causing drivers to have accidents at a rate two times higher than the least distracted drivers.

2. Drivers Who are Distracted By Cell Phones are 3X More Likely to Drive 10+ Miles Over the Speed Limit

In addition to accidents, cell phone use while driving was also found to contribute to drivers going over the speed limit. According to the study, "the most distracted drivers are also aggressive speeders," with distracted drivers going 10+ miles over the speed limit at a rate 3.2 times higher than least distracted drivers due to cell phone use.

Even when drivers are distracted by other elements besides cell phones, they were still 2.4 times more likely to go 10+ over the speed limit than drivers who were the least distracted.

3. Distracted Drivers Roll Through Stop Signs/Traffic Lights 3.5X More

The traffic violations that happen as a result of distracted driving don't stop at collisions and speeding. "The most distracted drivers do not stop at stoplights or stop signs at a rate significantly higher than other drivers" according to the Omnitracs study.

While cell phones once again resulted in the most distraction, with drivers rolling through stop signs and traffic lights at a rate 3.5 times higher, drivers who were "highly distracted" by other means were still 2.7 times more likely to commit the same violations than non-distracted drivers.

4. Distractions aren't Always Phone-Related

Although cell phones are the top distractor for truck drivers, sticking to your Bluetooth and hands-free devices doesn't mean there are no distractions. Other top distractors for drivers during this study were:

• Grooming/personal hygiene
• Operating additional mobile devices
• Wired or wireless headphones/earphones
• Food
• Paperwork
• Drinks
• Smoking
• Other tasks

Distracted driving means all distractions, another factor to consider when improving your own driving or the driving of your fleet.

5. Distracted Driving is Considered "an Epidemic"

As a response to the data analysis and study, Omnitracs said the study, "clearly demonstrates that the most distracted drivers are less safe overall, commit significantly more fundamental driving errors, and drive faster than the speed limit compared to all other drivers."

The study also found higher rates of seat belt and lane-drifting violations among distracted drivers. "Unfortunately, distracted driving is still an epidemic," said Omnitracs General Manager Jason Palmer in a previous statement.

6. Fleet Owners/Operators Can Minimize Driver Distractions

Although distracted driving is an increasingly dangerous issue with drivers and fleets, the good news is that it's preventable. Individuals and companies can all take responsibility for safer driving by implementing these nine tips suggested by Omnitracs:

• Fully focus on driving, actively scanning the road, and using your vision and safety systems
• Use cell phones for emergency situations only and consider that even hands-free devices can cause you to miss visual and audio clues to avoid an accident
• Pull off the road if you're drowsy – 37% of U.S. drivers have either nodded off or completely fall asleep at least once during their driving careers.
• Save multi-tasking for outside of the truck and get everything organized before you get behind the wheel.
• Store loose possessions and gear that could roll around in the cab while driving
• Adjust GPS, seat, mirror, climate controls, and other systems before driving to minimize distraction from the road.
• Finish grooming and personal hygiene (and dressing!) before you start driving, no matter how late of a start you're getting.
• Snack before or after your trip for between-meal fuel, not while driving.
• Pull off the road to complete other tasks or activities that need your attention