Visual, manual and cognitive distractions abound inside a vehicle and outside on the road. But it takes a uniquely pervasive influence to represent all three disruptive kinds.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) refers to social media usage using a mobile device as the perfect storm. Social media exposure appeals in profound ways that can take drivers’ eyes, hands and minds off the road simultaneously. With some studies even calling it worse than drunk driving, the social media obsession may only intensify due to the constant development of compelling applications and features.
But its addictive possibilities are as limitless as its potentially fatal risks. In Arizona, for example, a deadly crash a couple of months ago was caused by a truck driver browsing through the Tiktok application. Killing five people, the distracted driver did not have enough time to stop the vehicle.
Unfortunately, what drivers often consider a harmless scroll can cost someone’s life, including theirs.
Distracting online habits are destructive
The DMV revealed that a study of 7,500 participants found that roughly 90% of drivers are bound to use their smartphones while driving. Half of these respondents confirmed browsing through their social media accounts while behind the wheel.
Other distracting activities drivers can do with their virtual social networks include:
- Playing games
- Video chatting
- Reading messages
- Looking at or taking photos
- Watching or creating videos
- Taking on trending challenges
With teen drivers growing up in a socially connected world where engagement is the currency, they are more likely to develop these destructive habits when operating a vehicle. After all, it only takes a second of posting a status update to run a red light, miss a turn, increase speed or fail to hit the brakes on time – all of which can result in a tragic accident.
Social media can wait
No matter how tempting, social media can always wait until drivers reach their destinations. But for those already severely injured due to a distracted driver, a legal resource can discuss their options, and show how the state’s strict “hands off” law and its complex nuances may apply to their case.
