Human problems require human solutions: 5 tips to reduce the risk of distracted driving

August 21, 2024

Stricter laws, more enforcement, greater public awareness. Driver-facing dashcams and data analytics. As we try to find ways of solving the distracted driving problem, all of these approaches have something in common, and it's the very thing that makes them imperfect: each of these interventions points to where the solution lies without being able to reach it—a human problem can't be solved with legislative solutions, or data analysis solutions, or even enforcement solutions. The distraction is happening for a real person dealing with a situation in real-time, and a human problem requires a human solution. Those other distracted driving interventions can only equip professional drivers with better tools (or nudge them in certain directions), but can't actually do the work for them.

Where do we start?

We have all seen drivers (professional and non-professional) being distracted by cellphones, make-up, arguing with passengers or even with other drivers. And we know that being distracted makes it anywhere from 2 to 23 times more likely a driver will be involved in a collision. And we have seen the consequences of distracted driving play out in the news over and over.

In a recent distracted driving report put out by the Governor's Highway Safety Association, the path to reducing distracted driving was clear: it needs to be a multi-pronged, collaborative effort requiring state and federal legislation, education outreach, data analysis, enforcement, infrastructure and more. Couple this with a strong carrier policy on mobile phone use in the cab and it may seem like we've assembled everything we need.

Get to the source

In one sense, it's true that we have everything we need—or at least we've done everything we can do. As the classic song says, “They've gone about as far as they can go.” But the gap that is left over—the distance between these interventions and the actual source of the problem—is human-shaped. And the last step in this process simply has to be giving drivers the training they need to make the right kinds of decisions when they are behind the wheel.

So, here are 5 tips professional drivers can use to reduce the risks of distracted driving:

1. Put the phone down

   This is the tip that you will hear most often—and that's because it gets right to the heart of the problem. While there are all sorts of possible distractions you might face, statistics show that our mobile phones are the number one driver of distraction behind the wheel. Even if it isn't in your hand, the sound (or vibration) of notifications is still pulling your attention away from the task of safe driving.

   Studies show that even talking on a hands-free device can be a distraction, leading to slowed reaction time, missed visual cues, tunnel vision and reduced visual attention and alertness. “Hands-free” doesn't mean “risk-free”. Reduce the risk of distracted driving by putting your phone away, or at least in “do not disturb” mode.

2. Get ahead of the problem

   Unexpected things happen while you are driving. Other drivers behaving badly, surprise route detours and more. And although these are things you can't control, this tip is about focusing on the things you can. Pre-trip planning, making sure you have all your documentation in one place or checking the weather and border crossing conditions are all things you can do to minimize the chances of being surprised, flustered and, ultimately, distracted. Fewer surprises equal fewer distractions.

3. Cleanliness is next to safety-ness

   Other kinds of mid-trip distractions can occur when items come loose, spill, or are out of reach when you need them. Keeping your cab organized will help ensure that everything stays exactly where you need it to be.

   Organizing and storing documentation keeps it from flying around the cab and also makes it easier to find when you need it. Keep your personal ID, such as your CDL, medical card and FAST or TWIC cards in a secure location you can access easily when you need it. The distraction doesn't just come when you are looking for your documents—it actually starts when you begin wondering about where they are, and that distraction in your mind is probably happening while you are still driving.

   Electronic device mounts are a good way to make sure they don't fall or roll underfoot as you drive. Consider putting your phone in a secure lock box. This reduces the temptation to use it while driving and is also a safe place to store your tech when you are away from the vehicle. When you do need to use your phone, pull over.

   And don't forget to make sure your pets are secure, too!

4. Keep your head on straight

   Keeping your mind on the task of safe driving isn't just difficult because of external distractions. Fatigue, boredom or strong emotions can also pull your mind away when you need to be thinking about the road.

   When you feel anger or another strong emotion, take a few deep breaths or practice mindfulness techniques, like tuning into your senses and noting what you feel, see and/or hear.

   These distracted driving strategies can help you return to a stable emotional state and refocus on the task of driving. Even some NFL coaches recommend mindfulness techniques for pro football players. As a professional driver, they may help you too.

   In terms of battling boredom, if you notice your mind drifting, consider pulling over to stretch and reinvigorate yourself.

   Getting adequate sleep is essential to preventing fatigue. Developing a sleep routine can help condition your body to sleep on the road. Seek medical advice when you are dealing with conditions like sleep apnea.

   Eating whole foods like fruit, vegetables and whole grains can also help give you sustained energy and avoid sugar crashes. Distracted driving can sometimes simply be the result of the wrong food choices.

5. Audit your habits

   Reflect on what went right as well as what went wrong during your last trip. Did you have a close call? Was it completely out of your control, or was it one of those moments when you looked away to grab something just as someone cut in front of you? Maybe you got lucky, but luck isn't a strategy.

   This tip requires you to be honest with yourself about what went well during a trip as well as how you could have done better in terms of getting distracted. When one of the other habits you use for minimizing distractions isn't working for you, this is the time to re-think how you want to change it.

In the end, reducing the risks of distracted driving can absolutely be helped with robust investment and cooperation from legislators, educators, community stakeholders and more. But for all that help, the real solution to distracted driving needs to happen at the source: solid training, good habits and honest reflections by professional drivers themselves.