The Shadow
RICHMOND—There are countless distractions that can divert motorists’ attention away from driving, and all it takes is a split second before calamity follows.
“In one accident, the insured’s glasses fell to the floor,” described John Agee, director of casualty claims for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “He took his eyes off the road to find the glasses and reached down to get them. When he looked up, he had veered off the road, striking a parked vehicle.”
That cautionary tale is why industry experts and safety advocates are using April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month to remind motorists of the dangers when their attention is sidetracked.
According to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles crash statistics, distracted driving contributed to 17%, or 21,528, of all traffic crashes in 2023. Of those, 11,521 collisions resulted in injuries, and 64 people were killed.
Cellphones remain a leading cause of distracted driving. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which has a research center in Greene County, conducted a survey that found half of drivers engaged in at least one device-based task during their drives over the past month.
IIHS also found that a crash risk is two to six times greater when drivers use cellphones behind the wheel.
Virginia adopted a hands-free law prohibiting drivers from handling cellphones while driving. Modern vehicles also offer voice-controlled interfaces to keep drivers’ eyes on the road, but these don’t eliminate distractions entirely. Studies show drivers still glance away to navigate menus or adjust settings, and issuing voice commands can create cognitive inattention.
“There are many ‘old school’ distractions as well,” Agee said. “Like those from passenger activity, eating or reaching for items.”
To continue combating distracted driving, advocates are promoting a multifaceted approach. Along with strengthening hands-free laws and enforcement, leveraging social relationships is key. Discussions among friends, family, colleagues and coworkers can help make drivers more aware of serious dangers attributed to distracted driving.
Advancements in collision avoidance technology also show promise. Warnings and alerts can refocus a distracted, inattentive or tired driver’s attention back onto the road. Some systems intervene to avoid crashes altogether if a driver doesn’t respond fast enough.
IIHS offers the following tips for drivers to stay focused and minimize distractions:
- Place cellphones out of reach or use the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature while driving.
- Set GPS directions before starting the car.
- Pull over for important tasks.
- Secure loose items so they don’t roll around in the car and cause you to reach for them.
- Avoid multitasking: Don’t eat, apply makeup or adjust controls while in motion.
- Be well-rested: Drowsiness can lead to distractions and delayed reaction times.
- Minimize background distractions by encouraging passengers to respect the driver’s need for concentration.
