Distracted driving has become a huge problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drivers 16 through 19 are three times more likely to be in a crash resulting in fatalities than any other age.
There are three different types of distracted driving: cognitive, visual, and manual. Cognitive distractions take a driver’s mind off of driving, visual distractions take a driver’s eyes off of the road and manual distractions take a driver’s hands off of the wheel. These are all distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, and reaching for items in the passenger seat or back seat.
Senior Quivelle Cook feels passionately about distracted driving
“I think distracted driving is the most irresponsible thing on the earth,” he said. “I drive responsibly. Other people should just keep their awareness to a high, to avoid injuring themselves and others around them.”
Not only does a distracted driver put their own life at risk, but they also put the lives of their passengers and people around them in other cars at risk. Some teens don't think distracted driving is a big deal because their parents tend to be distracted while driving. This habit turns into a habit that kids have because they see it so much and perceive it as normal.
Junior Chance Chambers started driving this year and makes sure to practice responsible driving.
“I keep my eyes focused on the road, make sure I’m aware of my surroundings at all times, and make sure my hands are at 10 and 2, because if you become distracted while driving you are putting not only yourself in danger but every driver around you,” Chambers said.
According to Indiana law, a person may not hold a handheld device while operating a moving vehicle. The question becomes if this law actually prevents people from picking up their devices and getting distracted. It's a way to encourage people not to use their phones but, it may not stop them.