5 Types of Distracted Driving That Are Unrelated to Your Phone

Distracted driving is a serious issue plaguing Missouri’s roads, endangering drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Over the past five years, at least 382 individuals have been killed and 2,809 seriously injured due to distracted driving in the state.

While most people associate distracted driving with smartphone use, it encompasses any activity that diverts attention from driving. Explore five types of distracted driving beyond using your phone, and learn how to avoid them to prevent accidents on Missouri roads.

1. Eating and Drinking

Many drivers view eating or drinking while behind the wheel as a harmless way to save time. However, this habit can be dangerous. When you’re unwrapping a sandwich, reaching for fries, or trying to prevent a spill, your hands are off the wheel, and your eyes are off the road.

The urge to eat on the go can be tempting, especially during long trips or busy workdays. But even a brief distraction while navigating busy interstates or city streets can have catastrophic consequences.

To avoid this risk, plan your trips to include stops for meals. If you’re on a tight schedule, consider packing easy-to-manage snacks like granola bars or apples. The best option is to pull over to a safe spot, like a parking lot, to eat quickly and safely before continuing your journey.

2. Adjusting Controls

Modern vehicles are equipped with numerous controls for climate, entertainment, and navigation. While these features improve comfort and convenience, they can also be distracting. Adjusting the radio, setting the air conditioning, or programming a GPS while driving diverts your attention from the road.

Even a moment spent adjusting the temperature on winding roads could lead to a dangerous situation. Similarly, programming a GPS while navigating complex urban interchanges could lead to sudden lane changes and a collision.

To ensure your safety, set your vehicle’s controls before starting to drive. Adjust your seat, mirrors, climate settings, and GPS destination in advance. If you need to make adjustments during your trip, wait for a red light or pull over.

3. Overcoming Mental Distraction

Cognitive distractions, like daydreaming or getting lost in thought, can be just as dangerous as visual or manual distractions. When your mind wanders, your reaction time slows, and you might miss crucial visual cues on the road.

This type of distraction is often overlooked because it lacks an obvious physical action, but its impact on driving safety can be significant. It is common on familiar routes, such as daily commutes, where drivers may rely on muscle memory. It can also occur during long drives, where monotony can cause the mind to wander.

Stay mentally engaged to combat cognitive distractions while driving. Regularly scan your surroundings, check your mirrors, and anticipate potential hazards. If you find yourself constantly zoning out, it might be a sign of fatigue. Take a break in a rest area, switch drivers if possible, or consider stopping for the night if you’re on a long trip.

4. Children or Pets in the Backseat

For many families, road trips are common, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country journey. However, parents and pet owners know that their precious cargo can also be a source of distraction. Actions like settling a sibling dispute, picking up toys, or trying to calm an anxious pet can take your focus off the road.

Before setting out, ensure children are properly secured and have easy access to entertainment and snacks. For longer trips, plan regular stops to allow them to stretch their legs and burn off energy. In addition, use proper restraints or carriers to keep pets secure and minimize movement in the vehicle.

If a situation requires immediate attention, resist the urge to address it while driving. Instead, find a safe place to pull over before tending to your children or pets. This might add a few minutes to your journey, but it’s far safer than attempting to manage backseat issues while navigating highways.

5. External Distractions on the Road

Missouri’s diverse landscapes and charming small towns can present various external distractions for drivers. These can include eye-catching billboards, accidents on the side of the road (rubbernecking), or wildlife crossing rural highways.

While being curious about your surroundings is natural, allowing your gaze to linger too long on these external factors can be risky. Looking away from the road is especially risky on busy highways or in areas where deer, opossums, or other animals are known to cross.

Train yourself to resist the urge to stare at roadside distractions. If you’re curious about something you’ve passed, ask a passenger to look or make a mental note to check it out on a future trip when you’re not driving. Remember, your primary focus should always be on the road ahead and the surrounding vehicles.

Protect Yourself and Others on the Road

While you can take steps to protect yourself and others on the road by recognizing and avoiding all distracted driving behaviors, accidents can still happen. If another driver causes a collision, speak with our Missouri car accident lawyers at Cofman Townsley.

We can review your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.