Toronto, ON (Dec. 19, 2023) \u2013 Understanding that drivers are human and can create a number of risks on the road, some tech companies and auto manufacturers are working to make self-driving cars a reality (though there has been much discussion and debate about potential dangers of this advancing technology). Until these vehicles become more proven and widely available, though, distracted driving will continue to be a major contributor to vehicle crash-related injuries and deaths.<\/p>\n
Although states and the federal government enact and enforce laws to limit cellphone use and prohibit texting while driving, employers also have a responsibility to address causes of distracted driving in their fleets. Even where companies have policies pertaining to mobile phone use, these guidelines may not go far enough to address the full causes of distracted driving.<\/p>\n
Whether you employ drivers or simply want to help protect employees who travel to work every day, raising awareness of common causes of distracted driving can help reduce risks \u2026 and maybe even prevent a tragedy.<\/p>\n
While there may be no definitive way to gauge what is the greatest cause of distracted driving accidents, the widespread detrimental impact of cellphone conversations on road safety is undeniable. According to one recent study, 34% percent of all drivers who crash interact with their phone in the minute before the crash,1<\/sup> signifying such activity as among the most common distractions while driving. Despite widespread awareness about this danger, the behavior persists. Many believe that talking on the phone while driving is safe so long as one is using hands-free technology. However, as this article shows<\/a>, that belief is very misguided.<\/p>\n Whether texting, using social media or another app, or checking anything online via a smartphone, a few seconds with your eyes off the road could be the last mistake you make. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)<\/a> shares this sobering fact: \u201cSending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, that\u2019s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.\u201d2<\/sup><\/p>\n Let\u2019s be realistic. Whether carpooling to work or driving with friends or family, we\u2019re going to talk with fellow passengers. There\u2019s a plus side to having another set of eyes on traffic, but it\u2019s negated when conversation diverts your attention from the road. Drivers and passengers need to \u201csave it for later\u201d when road conditions are treacherous, traffic patterns change quickly or the conversation simply diminishes the driver\u2019s focus.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s a pet along for the ride, an insect flying through a window or any object that drops out of position, something moving unexpectedly can be a distraction. Further, our reflex action instinctively compels us to reach for something sliding off a seat, but the damage caused by letting that object fall will likely be far less impactful than the risks associated with not paying attention to the road. If a pet is distracting you, pull over and take measures to calm the animal, including using a cage or restraints if necessary.<\/p>\n Scanning the radio to find a favorite song or program, or continuously adjusting your car\u2019s air conditioning or heating might seem like mindless tasks, but they can keep your focus away from the road longer than you think. Set your tunes and temperature before you drive.<\/p>\n It\u2019s often important to adjust your car\u2019s rearview and exterior mirrors, roll up the windows, adjust your seat or check a navigational device. These tasks divert attention, however, so pull over to complete them whenever possible. When it\u2019s not possible, make sure you\u2019re familiar enough with the motor vehicle\u2019s controls to make adjustments while keeping your eyes on the road.<\/p>\n Opening the glove compartment to grab a tissue, reaching for the smartwatch you left on the passenger-side seat, or simply grabbing a package of breath mints may not take long, but whenever you reach for something, one hand is off the wheel and chances are your eyes aren\u2019t on the road. Whatever you are reaching for can usually wait until the car is not moving.<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard not to look when you pass an accident site, glimpse an injured or dead animal on the side of the road, or see anything unexpected along your route. Looking may be unavoidable, but taking your eyes off the road, even if you slow down, increases the risk of an accident. As with other distractions, crashes involving \u201crubbernecking\u201d can also cause a chain reaction, as other drivers behind you may also have their attention on the accident and not on the vehicle in front of them.<\/p>\n Eating and drinking necessitates one-handed driving, and dropping food or spilling a beverage can create a serious distraction. If you must have a beverage, use a spill-free container and don\u2019t hold it continuously. When it\u2019s time to eat, pull off the road. You probably don\u2019t want that mustard decorating your shirt or blouse anyway!<\/p>\n Putting aside smoking\u2019s other well-known health risks, smoking while driving also means one hand is frequently off the wheel. Falling cigarette ash or cinders create additional hazards. If you can\u2019t kick the habit, at least knock it off on the road.<\/p>\n Zurich Resilience Solutions (ZRS) offers distracted driver solutions and driver safety trainings. Find out about these and ZRS\u2019 other Casualty Risk Management Services<\/a>.<\/p>\n Learn more: Zurich Commercial Casualty Insurance Solutions<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n For more information on distracted driving, please visit the informative sites offered by these organizations:<\/p>\n Zurich North America is one of the largest providers of insurance solutions and services to businesses and individuals. Our customers represent industries ranging from agriculture to technology. Further information is available at www.zurichna.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Zurich North America is part of Zurich Insurance Group, a leading multi-line insurer serving people and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. Founded 150 years ago, Zurich is transforming insurance. In addition to providing insurance protection, Zurich is increasingly offering prevention services such as those that promote wellbeing and enhance climate resilience.<\/p>\n The Group has about 60,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd. (ZURN)<\/em> is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY)<\/em> program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information is available at www.zurich.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Source: Zurich North America<\/em><\/p>\n Tags: distracted driving<\/a>, driving safety<\/a>, Zurich<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Whether you\u2019re driving professionally or on your own time, minimizing these causes of driving distracted can help save lives Toronto, ON (Dec. 19, 2023) \u2013 Understanding that drivers are human and can create a...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[1],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lifeinsurance-orleans.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21269"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lifeinsurance-orleans.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lifeinsurance-orleans.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lifeinsurance-orleans.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lifeinsurance-orleans.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21269"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lifeinsurance-orleans.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21269\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lifeinsurance-orleans.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21269"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lifeinsurance-orleans.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21269"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lifeinsurance-orleans.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}2. Texting and other cellphone\/smartphone manipulation<\/h4>\n
3. Talking with another passenger<\/h4>\n
4. Moving objects\/animals in the vehicle<\/h4>\n
5. Adjusting audio and\/or climate controls<\/h4>\n
6. Manipulating car components and controls<\/h4>\n
7. Reaching for an object or device<\/h4>\n
8. \u201cRubbernecking\u201d<\/h3>\n
9. Eating or drinking<\/h4>\n
10. Smoking<\/h4>\n
About Zurich<\/b><\/h4>\n