Sources of cognitive distraction that many drivers may encounter include electronic devices, in-car systems, passengers and printed materials.
Many consider themselves competent drivers who can safely multitask while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, research increasingly shows this is a misconception. The “multitasking” brain actually jumps between tasks, resulting in performance impairments and raising the risk of accidents. To mitigate this risk, drivers should recognize and avoid the following common cognitive distractions.
1. Mobile electronic devices
Cellphones and other electronic devices can distract drivers manually, visually and mentally. Performing tasks with manual and visual components can triple a person’s likelihood of crashing, according to Distraction.gov. Tasks such as texting, which takes a driver’s
eyes off the road for about 5 seconds, are especially risky. At 55 mph, a driver covers the length of a football field during this 5-second lapse.
Many drivers may believe hands-free devices are relatively safe. According to the National Safety Council, 70 percent of the drivers who use these devices do so for safety reasons. However, hands-free devices still produce a mental burden. Research shows that drivers exhibit delayed reactions even when using hands-free cellphones. Drivers also ignore up to half of their immediate environments, so they may miss out on important visual cues.
2. In-vehicle systems
Using vehicle controls and infotainment systems can also divert attention from driving. Simply adjusting the radio may take too much of a driver’s attention away from the road. Using complex voice-command systems may be even riskier.
A 2014 study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the University of Utah illustrates this danger. The study tested the distraction associated with using hands-free in-car systems. Researchers observed that the complexity of many systems required drivers to shift significant focus away from driving. Four out of six systems tested were deemed more distracting than cellphones.
3. Passengers
Attending or talking to vehicle occupants is another frequent source of distraction. Pets and young children who are unaware of external driving conditions can be especially demanding. Inexperienced drivers may be particularly vulnerable to this distraction, according to a 2014 University of North Carolina study. Researchers discovered that teen drives were six times likelier to experience near-accidents when passengers were merely talking loudly.
4. Written materials
Maps, directions, books and other printed documents can also require too much attention. Besides distracting drivers visually, these mentally demanding materials create a cognitive burden. They also may be more difficult to hold and manipulate than electronic devices.
Negligent behaviors
State laws ban many of these distractions, but others remain legal. Still, when these behaviors lead to accidents, victims may have legal recourse. A legal behavior can represent negligence if a driver failed to show reasonable care toward others. Victims of distracted driving accidents may benefit from seeking legal advice to better understand their rights.
