Did you know... A 2009 study found that 71% of large-vehicle crashes occurred when the driver was doing something besides driving the vehicle.

What is distracted driving?

  • Phone calls
  • Texting
  • Using dispatching services
  • Eating and drinking
  • Reading/billboards
  • GPS
  • Adjusting the radio or comfort controls
  • ANYTHING drawing your attention, causing you to take your eyes off the road

If you are driving at 55 mph and take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds to write a text message, you have traveled the length of a football field (end zones included) without looking at the road.


Stay Focused While Driving Tips:

  1. TIP #1: Do not let objects outside of your vehicle distract you. Anything taking your eyes away from driving is a distraction and can be dangerous. Paying attention to things that are only related to driving will help keep you aware of the road and cars around you, which will ensure that you are ready to react to anything unexpected.
  2. TIP #2: Do not text while driving. Texting while driving is illegal for CMV drivers. Texting takes your eyes, hands, and mind off the job of driving. A 2009 study of real-world driving found that text messaging while driving increased a driver's chances of being involved in a safety-critical event by 23 times.
  3. TIP #3: Stop before making or receiving calls. Since using a dispatching device while driving raises your risk of a crash (by as much as 9 times), many companies have policies in place or lock out features when the vehicle is moving. These devices can include phones, laptops iPads, and other ELD devices.
  4. TIP #4: Do not use a phone while driving. If you have to make a call while driving, find a safe place to stop and keep your call short.
  5. TIP #5: Avoid eating and drinking while driving. Eating while driving can take your eyes off the road. It always takes at least one of your hands off the wheel. Always try to eat or drink before getting behind the wheel or leave time to pull over and eat. Eating while driving is as risky as talking on a cell phone.


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