Distracted drivers got you feeling defensive?

March 13, 2025

Although distracted driving is often an avoidable issue on the roads, distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. April is Distracted Driving Month, so it’s time to up your defenses by helping your commercial drivers keep their eyes on the road ahead.

Distracted driving happens when a driver engages in any activity that takes their eyes and mind off the road. The most common distractions include talking or texting on the phone, changing the radio, focusing on a navigation system, eating or drinking, trying to grab something from the passenger seat or back seat, changing clothes, etc.

These activities increase the risk of crash and should be avoided as much as possible. Remember, though, that a driver can only control their own behavior — what about all those other drivers on the road?

Looking out for distracted drivers

No matter how vigilant or how well trained a commercial driver is, their own behavior isn’t the only thing to worry about. Other drivers on the road may be one of the biggest risks good defensive drivers face. An effective way to counter this risk is to know how to identify a distracted driver.

Distracted drivers may:

  • Linger at intersections,
  • Make sudden stops,
  • Change speed erratically,
  • Make sudden moves,
  • Tailgate,
  • Brake suddenly,
  • Drift between lanes, and/or
  • Use a cell phone.

Defense against distracted drivers

The best offense is a good defense, right?

The four basic elements of defensive driving that drivers can use against distracted driving are:

  1. Good vision,
  2. Heightened awareness,
  3. Proper speed and space management, and
  4. The right attitude.

A defensive driver should keep a constant visual scan, recognize potential hazards, decide on an appropriate response, and carry out the appropriate response. These are all tasks a driver is personally responsible for.

The best way to stay safe is to recognize and react appropriately to distracted drivers. Using the four basic elements of defensive driving will allow drivers to:

  1. See the distracted driver,
  2. Take note of others’ driving patterns without getting distracted themselves,
  3. Slow down and allow enough space between them and the distracted driver, and
  4. Focus on their own safety and getting out of the situation.

Publish Date

March 13, 2025

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Industry News

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