Distracted Driving
Distracted Driving (also known as DWD) is any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of accidents.
Driver Distraction is generally defined as coming in three different forms:
- Visual — taking your eyes off the road
- Manual — taking you hands of the wheel
- Cognitive — taking your mind off what you're doing
While cellphone use and texting while driving has received much of the focus of legislation to date, use of a laptop or other computer when driving is one of the most dangerous types of Driver Distraction, as it involves all three types of distraction.
Distracted Driving Statistics
Research in the United States reveals some surprising facts:
- In 2009, almost 20 percent of all crashes involved some type of distraction. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - NHTSA).
- Nearly 6,000 people died in 2009 in crashes involving a distracted driver, with nearly half a million injured. (NHTSA)
- Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. (Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- Using a cell phone use while driving, whether hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent. (Source: University of Utah)
We regularly post updates on driver distraction figures and statistics from around the world on the Blank-IT Blog.
Not Just Driving
Whilst the focus of most campaigns and legislation has revolved around the issue of Distracted Driving, it seems that the Dept. of Transportation is going to widen the net to address the problem of "Distracted Operating". We recommend you read this important article on our Blog now - Distracted Operating - Trains, Planes and Boats.
Driver Distraction
The Blank-IT Solution
Blank-IT's unique and inexpensive technology helps you address regulatory and statutory requirements by blanking a mounted computer screen when the vehicle is in motion OR only displaying allowable programs, such as "aids to navigation", so your workforce is still able to perform essential/legally allowed tasks while they are mobile.
Blank-IT News
Sep 2011 - Distracted Operating:
Regulations to be expanded.
Aug 2011 - Blank-IT New Release:
Version 3.2.2 of blank-IT Released.
May 2011 - NRMA:
Purchases Blank-IT for their service fleet.
May 2011 - City of Perth:
Purchases Blank-IT for their Ranger fleet.