Driving under the influence of what?!

  • Published
  • By Col. Robert Lucania
  • 60th Medical Surgical Operations Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  I was prepared to write an inspiring article on mentoring, when a driver diverted my attention to a menacing issue. Our "101 Critical Days of Summer" is approaching and Airmen will be taking road trips in the coming months, so this story has to be told.

Last week while driving on Interstate 80, I was cut off by a young driver, barely missing a deadly collision with a tractor-trailer truck. The culprit who forced me into the left-hand lane raced onto the highway without using a directional signal all the while yakking on a cell phone.

Continuing my journey, I began to notice drivers who were paying attention to everything except driving. One gentleman was shaving, another was driving with his elbows while text messaging and yet another had a laptop propped on the steering wheel.

This was a wakeup call; alcohol on our roads is not our only challenge. We have a society "driving under the influence of technology" and in-vehicle use is alarming.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are in excess of 40,000 deaths due to car accidents every year. Every 12 minutes, one person dies because of a car accident. Every 14 seconds, a car accident results in an injury. Driver inattention is one of the most common causes of traffic crashes.

Based on NHTSA crash data, the major components of inattention-related police reported crashes include distraction and driver inattention. These crashes account for approximately 25 percent of the reported 6.3 million crashes. Of that 25 percent, 6.5 percent are fatal. Social and economic costs for these crashes approach an estimated $40 billion annually.

Since driving under the influence of technology is receiving more attention and more states are collecting specific data, we can expect these numbers to increase.

Human Factors experts describe four types of driving distractions. The first is visual, such as looking away from the road. The second is biomechanical, like dialing a cell phone. The third is auditory, such as being startled by a ringing phone and perceiving the immediacy to answer and the fourth is cognitive, such as being focused on a conversation.

Some forms of in-vehicle technological distractions include cell phones, computers, navigation systems, two-way radios, heads up displays and fax machines. Yes, I said in vehicle fax machines!

Technology normally found at home is now available in cars. I even saw someone blow drying their hair and putting on lip-stick during a 10-mile trip on the highway. Such activities cause drivers to react slower, fail to recognize potential hazards and reduce their margin of safety.

Our society has condoned multitasking while driving with more vehicles containing cup holders, phone systems, DVD players, navigation systems and complex entertainment systems. Driving is an action that requires our undivided focus at all times and any slight distractions can carry tremendous risks.

Below are some ways to avoid driving distracted:

-- If you need to do something distracting, find a safe place to pull over before attempting the task.

-- Recognize what distracts you and think how you would feel if you saw another driver doing the same thing. Self-assessment is important when developing driving skills.

-- Concentrate on your driving and make sure you are ready to drive before you begin the journey - especially after an emotional event.

-- Use technology wisely and limit use in your vehicle while finding ways to be less distracted.

-- Plan your route in advance so you are familiar with the trip and plan maneuvers earlier.

-- Refresh your driving habits through reading and maybe even a driver's course since we continually pick up bad driving habits as we get older.

-- Always keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel and ensure all children are properly buckled.

-- Consume food and beverages when the car is safely stopped.

-- Avoid involved conversations with passengers.

-- Use a hands-free device with your cell phone (a mandatory state law in California, effective June 1), keep conversations short and never take notes while driving.

Technology plays an integral role in our society; however, the law is usually good about outlawing dangerous activities. With that in mind, cell phone use without hands-free devices is against the law on Travis. In addition, more than 40 countries restrict or prohibit the use of cell phones while driving. Using all forms of technology and causing dangerous driving conditions is known as reckless driving and is unlawful in all 50 states.

We must acknowledge what we already know: using technology insensibly while driving makes us a menace on the road. We must take proper driving precautions not just for our sake, but for the sake of others we share the road with.

Remember, driving + other activities = preventable accidents. Have a safe, fun summer and don't drive under the influence.