1. 2.1 Distracted Driving
A driver distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving.
Whenever you are driving a vehicle and your full attention is not on the
driving task, you are putting yourself, your passengers, other vehicles, and
pedestrians in danger. Distracted driving can cause collisions, resulting in
injury, death or property damage.
Activities inside of the vehicle that can distract your attention include: talking
to passengers; adjusting the radio, CD player or climate controls; eating,
drinking or smoking; reading maps or other literature; picking up something
that fell; talking on a cell phone or CB radio; reading or sending text
messages; using any type of telematic or electronic devices (such as
navigation systems, pagers, personal digital assistant, computers, etc.);
daydreaming or being occupied with other mental distractions; and many
others.
2. Possible distractions that could occur outside a moving vehicle: outside
traffic, vehicles or pedestrians; outside events such as police pulling
someone over or a crash scene; sunlight/sunset; objects in roadway; road
construction; reading billboards or other road advertisements; and many
others.
2.1.1– The Distracted Driving Crash Problem
The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that 8 percent of
large-truck crashes occurred when Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers
were externally distracted and 2 percent of large truck crashes occurred
when the driver was internally distracted.
Approximately 5,500 people are killed each year on U.S. roadways and an
estimated 448,000 are injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted
driving (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts: Distracted Driving).
3. Research indicates that the burden of talking on a cell phone - even if it's
hands-free - saps the brain of 39% of the energy it would ordinarily devote to
safe driving. Drivers who use a hand-held device are more likely to get into a
crash serious enough to cause injury. (NHTSA distracted driving website,
www.distraction.gov).
2.1.2 – Effects of Distracted Driving
Effects of distracted driving include slowed perception, which may cause you
to be delayed in perceiving or completely fail to perceive an important traffic
event; delayed decision making and improper action, which can cause you to
be delayed in taking the proper action or make incorrect inputs to the
steering, accelerator or brakes.
4. 2.1.3 – Types of Distractions
There are many causes of distraction, all with the potential to increase risk.
Physical distraction – one that causes you to take your hands off the wheel
or eyes off the road, such as reaching for an object.
Mental distraction – activities that take your mind away from the road, such
as engaging in conversation with a passenger or thinking about something
that happened during the day.
Both physical and mental distraction – even greater chance a crash could
happen, such as talking on a cell phone; or sending or reading text
messages.
5. 2.1.1 Cell/Mobile Phones
49 CFR Part 383, 384, 390, 391 and 392 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations (FMCSRs) and the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
restricts the use of hand-held mobile telephones by drivers of commercial
motor vehicles (CMVs); and implements new driver disqualification sanctions
for drivers of CMVs who fail to comply with this Federal restriction; or who
have multiple convictions for violating a State or local law or ordinance on
motor vehicle traffic control that restricts the use of hand-held mobile
telephones. Additionally, motor carriers are prohibited from requiring or
allowing drivers of CMVs to use hand-held mobile telephones.
6. The use of hand-held mobile telephones means, ‘‘using at least one hand to
hold a mobile telephone to conduct a voice communication; “dialing a mobile
telephone by pressing more than a single button”; or “moving from a seated
driving position while restrained by a seat belt to reach for a mobile
telephone”. If you choose to use a mobile phone while operating a CMV, you
may only use a hands free mobile phone that is located close to you and that
can be operated in compliance with the rule to conduct a voice
communication.
Your CDL will be disqualified after two or more convictions of any state law
on hand-held mobile telephone use while operating a CMV. Disqualification
is 60 days for the second offense within 3 years and 120 days for three or
more offenses within 3 years.
7. In addition, the first and each subsequent violation of such a prohibition are
subject to civil penalties imposed on such drivers, in an amount up to $2,750.
Motor carriers must not allow nor require drivers to use a hand-held mobile
telephone while driving. Employers may also be subject to civil penalties in
an amount up to $11,000. There is an emergency exception that allows you
to use your hand-held mobile telephones if necessary to communicate with
law enforcement officials or other emergency services.
Research shows that the odds of being involved in a safety-critical event
(e.g., crash, near-crash, unintentional lane deviation) is 6 times greater for
CMV drivers who engage in dialing a mobile telephone while driving than for
those who do not. Dialing drivers took their eyes off the forward roadway for
an average of 3.8 seconds. At 55 mph (or 80.7 feet per second), this equates
to a driver traveling 306 feet, the approximate length of a football field,
without looking at the roadway.
8. Your primary responsibility is to operate a motor vehicle safely. To do this, you
must focus your full attention on the driving task.
Note that hands-free devices are no less likely than hand-held cell phones to
cause you to become distracted. Attention is diverted from the driving task while
using either device.
2.1.1 –Texting
49 CFR Part 383, 384, 390, 391, 392, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations (FMCSR) prohibits texting by commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
drivers while operating in interstate commerce; and implements new driver
disqualification sanctions for drivers of CMVs who fail to comply with this Federal
prohibition; or who have multiple convictions for violating a State or local law or
ordinance on motor vehicle traffic control that prohibits texting while driving.
Additionally, motor carriers are prohibited from requiring or allowing their drivers
to engage in texting while driving.
9. Texting means manually entering text into, or reading text from, an electronic
device. This includes, but is not limited to, short message service, e-mailing, instant
messaging, a command or request to access a World Wide Web page, or engaging
in any other form of electronic text retrieval or entry, for present or future
communication.
Electronic device includes, but is not limited to, a cellular telephone; personal digital
assistant; pager; computer; or any other device used to enter, write, send, receive,
or read text.
Your CDL will be disqualified after two or more convictions of any state law on
texting while operating a CMV. Disqualification is 60 days for the second offense
within 3 years and 120 days for three or more offenses within 3 years. In addition,
the first and each subsequent violation of such a prohibition are subject to civil
penalties imposed on such drivers, in an amount up to $2,750. No motor carrier
shall allow or require its drivers to engage in texting while driving. There is an
emergency exception that allows you text if necessary to communicate with law
enforcement officials or other emergency services.
10. Evidence suggests that text messaging is even riskier than talking on a cell phone
because it requires you to look at a small screen and manipulate the keypad with
one’s hands. Texting is the most alarming distraction because it involves both
physical and mental distraction simultaneously.
Research shows that the odds of being involved in a safety-critical event (e.g.,
crash, near-crash, unintentional lane deviation) is 23.2 times greater
for CMV drivers who engage in texting while driving than for those who do not.
Sending or receiving text takes your eyes from the road for an average of 4.6
seconds. At 55 mph, you would travel 371 feet, or the length of an entire football
field – without looking at the roadway.
2.1.1 – Don’t Drive Distracted
Your goal should be to eliminate all in-vehicle distractions before driving begins.
Accomplishing this goal can be done by:
Assessing all potential in-vehicle distractions before driving
11. Developing a preventative plan to reduce/eliminate possible distractions
Expecting distractions to occur
Discussing possible scenarios before getting behind the wheel
Based on the assessment of potential distractions, you can formulate a preventative
plan to reduce/eliminate possible distractions.
If drivers react a half-second slower because of distractions, crashes double. Some
tips to follow so you won’t become distracted:
Turn off all communication devices.
If you must use a mobile phone, make sure it is within close proximity, that it is
operable while you are restrained, use an earpiece or the speaker phone function,
use voice-activated dialing; or use the hands-free feature. Drivers are not in
compliance if they unsafely reach for a mobile phone, even if they intend to use the
hands-free function.
12. Do not type or read a text message on a mobile device while driving.
Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s features and equipment, before you get
behind the wheel.
Adjust all vehicle controls and mirrors to your preferences prior to driving.
Pre-program radio stations and pre-load your favorite CDs.
Clear the vehicle of any unnecessary objects and secure cargo.
Review maps, program the GPS and plan your route before you begin driving.
Don’t attempt to read or write while you drive.
Avoid smoking, eating and drinking while you drive. Leave early to allow yourself
time to stop to eat.
Don’t engage in complex or emotionally intense conversations with other occupants.
Secure commitment from other occupants to behave responsibly and to support the
driver in reducing distractions.
13. 2.1.1 – Watch Out for Other Distracted Drivers
You need to be able to recognize other drivers who are engaged in any form of
driving distraction. Not recognizing other distracted drivers can prevent you from
perceiving or reacting correctly in time to prevent a crash. Watch for:
Vehicles that may drift over the lane divider lines or within their own lane.
Vehicles traveling at inconsistent speeds.
Drivers who are preoccupied with maps, food, cigarettes, cell phones, or other
objects.
Drivers who appear to be involved in conversations with their passengers.
Give a distracted driver plenty of room and maintain your safe following distance.
Be very careful when passing a driver who seems to be distracted. The other driver
may not be aware of your presence, and they may drift in front of you.
14. 2.2 – Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage
2.2.1 – What Is It?
Aggressive driving and road rage is not a new problem. However, in today’s
world, where heavy and slow-moving traffic and tight schedules are the norm,
more and more drivers are taking out their anger and frustration in their
vehicles.
Crowded roads leave little room for error, leading to suspicion and hostility
among drivers and encouraging them to take personally the mistakes of other
drivers.
Aggressive driving is the act of operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or
pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others (i.e. changing
lanes frequently and abruptly without notice)..
Road rage is operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others
or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle.
15. 2.2.2 – Don’t Be an Aggressive Driver
How you feel before you even start your vehicle has a lot to do with how stress
will affect you while driving.
Reduce your stress before and while you drive.
Listen to “easy listening” music.
Give the drive your full attention. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted by
talking on your cell phone, eating, etc.
Be realistic about your travel time. Expect delays because of traffic,
construction, or bad weather and make allowances.
If you’re going to be later than you expected – deal with it. Take a deep breath
and accept the delay.
Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Try to imagine why he or she is
driving that way.
Whatever their reason, it has nothing to do with you.
16. Slow down and keep your following distance reasonable.
Don’t drive slowly in the left lane of traffic.
Avoid gestures. Keep your hands on the wheel. Avoid making any gestures
that might anger another driver, even seemingly harmless expressions of
irritation like shaking your head.
Be a cautious and courteous driver. If another driver seems eager to get in
front of you, say, “Be my guest.” This response will soon become a habit and
you won’t be as offended by other drivers’ actions.
2.1.1– What You Should Do When Confronted by an Aggressive Driver
First and foremost, make every attempt to get out of their way.
Put your pride in the back seat. Do not challenge them by speeding up or
attempting to hold-your- own in your travel lane.
Avoid eye contact.
17. Ignore gestures and refuse to react to them.
Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle
description, license number, location and, if possible, direction of travel.
If you have a cell phone, and can do it safely, call the police.
If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther down the road, stop a safe
distance from the crash scene, wait for the police to arrive, and report the
driving behavior that you witnessed.