Understanding What Is/Are Not Considered a Driver Distraction
When it comes to road safety, the phrase is/are not considered a driver distraction often emerges in discussions about responsible driving. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for drivers, policymakers, and educators aiming to reduce accidents and promote safer roads. While many behaviors and objects can divert a driver’s attention, not everything that might seem distracting is classified as a formal distraction under traffic laws or safety guidelines. This article explores what is and isn’t considered a driver distraction, clarifying misconceptions and highlighting safe driving practices.
Defining Driver Distraction
Before delving into what is not considered a distraction, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a distraction. Generally, driver distraction involves any activity or object that diverts attention away from the primary task of driving, which is to operate the vehicle safely. Distractions can be visual, manual, or cognitive, impacting a driver’s focus and increasing the risk of accidents.
Types of driver distractions include:
- Visual distractions: taking your eyes off the road
- Manual distractions: taking hands off the wheel
- Cognitive distractions: losing focus or daydreaming
Laws and safety guidelines typically target specific behaviors and objects that significantly impair driving ability, but not everything that captures attention is legally or practically considered a distraction.
What Is/Are Not Considered a Driver Distraction
Understanding what is not classified as a driver distraction helps drivers make informed choices and avoid unnecessary penalties or unsafe practices. Here are key categories and examples:
1. Communicating with Passengers
While engaging in conversations with passengers can sometimes divert a driver’s focus, in many cases, talking to a passenger is not categorized as a distraction unless it causes a significant impairment in driving performance.
- Why it’s generally not considered a distraction:
- Passengers often help monitor traffic and road conditions.
- Conversations are usually brief and predictable.
- Many drivers maintain safe attention levels despite talking.
- Exceptions:
- Engaging in overly emotional or intense conversations that divert attention.
- Distractions caused by passengers encouraging unsafe behaviors (e.g., urging a driver to speed).
2. Using Hands-Free Devices for Calls
The use of hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth headsets or in-car voice commands, is widely considered not a distraction if used properly.
- Why it’s generally safe:
- Hands-free technology allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel.
- Voice commands reduce manual and visual distractions.
- Numerous studies suggest that hands-free calling, when used responsibly, does not significantly impair driving.
- Important considerations:
- Avoid engaging in complex or lengthy conversations that demand full attention.
- Keep voice interactions simple and focused on navigation or urgent communication.
3. Adjusting Climate Controls or Radio Settings
While fiddling with the radio or climate controls can momentarily divert attention, this activity is typically not classified as a distraction if done briefly and with caution.
- Why it’s generally acceptable:
- Many vehicles have controls within easy reach.
- Drivers often adjust settings as part of routine vehicle operation.
- Best practices:
- Make adjustments when the vehicle is stationary or during safe moments.
- Avoid complex or multiple adjustments while driving.
4. Personal Hygiene and Grooming
Activities like applying makeup, brushing hair, or fixing clothing are often seen as personal grooming. While these are not recommended during driving, they are generally not categorized as distractions unless they significantly impair driving.
- Safety note:
- It is safer to complete grooming before starting to drive or when parked.
- In some jurisdictions, grooming while driving may be considered careless or reckless.
5. Using Vehicle Indicators and Navigational Aids
Activating turn signals, adjusting GPS devices, or using other vehicle indicators are necessary parts of driving and are not considered distractions when done properly.
- Guidelines for safe use:
- Set navigation routes before starting the journey.
- Use voice commands or pre-programmed settings.
- Signal intentions well in advance of maneuvering.
Activities and Objects That Are Considered Distractions
To contrast, it’s also important to understand what is considered a driver distraction, so that drivers can avoid engaging in risky behaviors.
1. Texting or Using Mobile Devices
Texting, browsing, or interacting with social media on a smartphone while driving is a major distraction and is legally prohibited in many areas.
2. Eating or Drinking
Consuming food or beverages while driving can take attention away from the road, especially if it involves handling packaging or hot liquids.
3. Adjusting Vehicle Controls Excessively
Repeated or complex adjustments to seats, mirrors, or dashboard controls while driving can distract the driver.
4. Looking at or Using a GPS Device Improperly
While using a GPS for navigation is common, focusing too intently on the device or inputting information while driving is considered unsafe.
5. Engaging in Personal Grooming
Activities like applying makeup or shaving are dangerous distractions and should be avoided while driving.
Legal and Safety Perspectives
Laws regarding driver distraction vary by jurisdiction, but most emphasize the dangers of activities that divert attention from driving. Recognizing what is not considered a distraction can help drivers comply with regulations and maintain safety.
Key points to remember:
- Hands-free communication is generally permitted and safe if used responsibly.
- Routine vehicle operations, like signaling and adjusting controls, are not distractions if performed cautiously.
- Personal grooming, texting, or complex interactions with devices are considered distractions and should be avoided.
Best Practices to Minimize Distractions
Regardless of what is or isn’t considered a distraction, drivers should always prioritize safety:
- Plan ahead: Set GPS routes, adjust controls, and organize belongings before starting to drive.
- Stay focused: Keep attention on the road and avoid multitasking.
- Use technology wisely: Utilize hands-free devices and voice commands to minimize manual and visual distractions.
- Maintain awareness: Be attentive to traffic, weather conditions, and road signs.
- Pull over when necessary: If an activity requires full attention, find a safe place to stop.
Conclusion
Understanding is/are not considered a driver distraction is vital for safe and legal driving. Activities like communicating with passengers, using hands-free devices, adjusting vehicle controls, and personal grooming—when done responsibly—are generally not classified as distractions. Conversely, activities involving texting, complex device interactions, or prolonged visual focus on non-driving tasks are considered distractions and should be avoided. By recognizing these distinctions and adhering to safe driving practices, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to safer roads for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is listening to music considered a driver distraction?
Listening to music at a moderate volume is generally not considered a driver distraction, but loud or changing music can divert attention from the road.
Are vehicle controls like adjusting the radio considered driver distractions?
Yes, adjusting the radio or other vehicle controls can divert your attention and is considered a driver distraction.
Is using a hands-free phone considered a driver distraction?
Using a hands-free phone is generally less distracting than handheld use, but it can still divert attention from driving and is often considered a distraction.
Are passengers in the vehicle considered a driver distraction?
Passengers can sometimes be a distraction, but conversations with passengers are not inherently considered a distraction unless they divert your focus from driving.
Is eating or drinking while driving considered a driver distraction?
Eating or drinking while driving can take your attention away from the road and is considered a driver distraction.
Are vehicle dashboard alerts and notifications considered driver distractions?
Many vehicle alerts are designed to be minimally distracting, but excessive or unnecessary notifications can divert attention and are considered distractions.
Is checking your mirrors while driving considered a driver distraction?
Briefly checking mirrors is a normal part of driving and not considered a distraction; prolonged or frequent checking can become distracting.
Are automatic safety features like lane assist considered driver distractions?
Automatic safety features are designed to assist the driver and are not considered distractions when used properly.
