Distraction occurs when drivers divert their attention away from the driving task. Crash data and research indicate personal electronic devices, such as cell phones and tablets, are one of the greatest contributors to driver distraction.
Hands-free is not risk free. Using a device hands-free does not reduce driver distraction; in fact, drivers are still distracted by the conversation-this is called “cognitive distraction.”
Many drivers believe they can multitask and still operate a vehicle safely. But multitasking is a myth. Humans can only focus cognitive attention on one task at a time. That’s why the driving task should be a driver’s sole focus.
Distracted driving is widespread, killing thousands and injuring hundreds of thousands in the United States every year. States are making some progress addressing this public health problem, but no state has implemented our recommendation calling for a ban on the use of all personal electronic devices while driving except in case of emergency. Today, 31 states and the District of Columbia prohibit drivers of all ages from using handheld cell phones while driving. Forty-nine states and DC have an all-driver text messaging restriction. However, Montana have yet to adopt an all-driver text messaging ban. Thirty-six states and DC restrict the use of cell phones by novice drivers.
Distraction can be addressed through a combination of education, legislation, and enforcement.
States should:
- Ban all-driver use of personal electronic devices.
- Strictly enforce laws and strengthen roadside monitoring and enforcement programs.
Operator/Industry/Advocacy groups should:
- Educate the public. Teach drivers, operators, and safety-critical personnel about the dangers of distractions.
- Encourage employers and fleet owners to adopt policies that would prohibit cell phone use while driving or require the use of lockout features when using company vehicles.
Vehicle manufacturers should:
- Design and incorporate infotainment systems that consider the level of distraction they will create for drivers and restrict access when the vehicle is in motion.
Public (drivers) should:
- Recognize that safe driving requires 100% of a driver’s attention 100% of the time. Distraction is not only about holding a device in your hand or glancing away from the road; it also involves mentally straying from the driving task. Remember, you can’t multitask!
Open Recommendations that Represent Critical Safety Priorities
H-20-5 to OSHA: Review and revise your distracted driving initiatives to increase employers’ awareness of the need to develop strong cell phone policy prohibiting the use of portable electronic devices while driving.
H-20-6 to OSHA: Modify your enforcement strategies to increase the use of the general duty clause cited in 29 United States Code section 654 against those employers who fail to address the hazards of distracted driving.
H-20-8 to Manufacturers of Portable Electronic Devices (Apple, Google, HTC, Lenovo, LG Motorola, Nokia, and SONY: Develop a distracted driving lock-out mechanism or application for portable electronic devices that will automatically disable any driver-distracting functions when a vehicle is in motion, but that allows the device to be used in an emergency; install the mechanism as a default setting on all new devices and apply it to existing commercially available devices during major software updates.
Closed Recommendations that highlight NTSB Success
H-20-3 to NHTSA: Develop, in conjunction with The Advertising Council, Inc., a media campaign stressing the dangers associated with distracted driving.
H-20-11 to the Advertising Council, Inc: Develop, in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a media campaign stressing the dangers associated with distracted driving.
Updated August 22, 2024
