April 17, 2009
By Adrian Marsh, CFAY Safety Office
Distracted driving, including the use of cell phones, is a major contributor to automobile crashes. Between 4,000 and 8,000 crashes related to distracted driving occur daily in the United States. According to the American Automobile Association, in a year, they contribute to as many as one-half of the six million U.S. crashes reported annually. Even here in Japan, distracted driving contributes to a high percentage of our traffic accidents. Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka had 644 traffic accidents during 2008, many of which were related to the driver ’s inattentiveness prior to a collision. We all must focus on the task at hand, which is driving! Distracted driving is nothing new. Since automobiles were introduced in the late 1800s, drivers have had distractions that kept them from paying attention. We all know that using cell phones/texting (even those equipped with hands-free devices) is prohibited. Still drivers disregard this policy and put themselves and other users of the roadways at risk. Research shows other distractions such as eating a sandwich, tending to small children, conversing with a passenger, or gazing at objects outside the vehicle occur more frequently and can be just as distracting as talking on a cell phone. Still there are other distractions that we may not consider having an impact on how we drive. Fatigue, emotions, illness and over-the-counter drug use Distracted driving can greatly reduce our ability to recognize critical information while operating a vehicle. Driving under these circumstances can impair your ability to judge speed, distances, prevent good decision-making and consequently cause you to take unnecessary chances.

To reduce your risks when driving, here are a few tips for the different distractions you may encounter:

Fatigue:

• Get a good night’s rest

• Have someone drive for you

• Use public transportation (Japan has one of the best systems in the world.)

• Know the effects of any medication you take Emotions:

• Know what gets you upset and try to avoid those situations

• Calm down before you get behind the wheel of a vehicle • Expect others to make mistakes on the road

• Avoid conflict while driving (heated discussions with your passenger)

When operating a vehicle you should be focused on that task alone. Automobile technology has much to offer to make you a safer driver, but it also requires your attention to make its use applicable. Eat your meals at the table, take care of your hygiene before you leave home, find time to read when you are relaxing and never, ever use a cell phone or text when driving. Drive smart because your presence is requested here on earth.