What you need to know about distracted driving | PEMCO

Distracted driving is an all-too-common habit that can’t be ignored. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), distracted driving is responsible for up to 23% of serious crashes in Washington, and this number rises to 30% for fatal accidents. Nationally, nine lives are lost every day in crashes involving a distracted driver. 
 
It goes without saying, but driving distraction-free is a way we can all practice prevention, and it’s important we do. Read on to learn why.

What makes distracted driving so dangerous? 

Recent studies by the WTSC report it takes a full 27 seconds for drivers to completely refocus on the road after using a cellphone. In that amount of time, you can drive the length of three football fields in a car that’s moving at just 25 mph. 

In 2023 alone, more than 600 people in Washington State were seriously injured in a distracted-driving related crash.  And in 2022, 3,308 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver nationwide.  We can all agree...that’s 3,308 too many. 

With prevention top of mind, what can be done to prevent crashes from distracted driving all together? 

What counts as distracted driving? 

Most people think of texting or talking on the phone when they think of distracted driving—but you can be distracted by lots of things when you drive. Here are other examples of distracted driving:  

• Adjusting the radio or turning on music  

• Adjusting your GPS or putting something into your car’s navigation system  

• Driving with pets (especially if they’re on your lap or in the front with you!)  

• Reaching for an object  

• Glancing too long at something outside of the car (e.g. scenery, an accident or stopped vehicle, etc.)  

• Mental drifting, which means being in such deep thought that you’re not focused on the road  

• Talking or laughing with passengers (In fact, this is the biggest cause of accidents for teen drivers—even more so than cell phones! The distraction of chatty passengers results in a sixfold increase in evasive maneuvers needed to avoid a crash.)  

• Eating  

• Applying makeup or checking in your visor mirror 

Tips to prevent distracted driving 

At PEMCO, our goal is to help you discover peace of mind as you take proactive steps to prevent incidents before they happen. Preventing distracted driving—and the accidents associated with them—is at the top of that list. 
 
Preventing distracted driving requires conscious effort and awareness as you drive (and potentially even teach the young people in your life to drive). Here are some effective strategies: 

1. Never multi-task while driving. 

2. Put your phone down: Use telematics features like PEMCODOMETER in the Go PEMCO app, to track driving behavior and reduce phone usage. 

3. Even if you don’t use a tool like PEMCODOMETER that monitors your phone use while driving, be sure to put your phone away until you reach your destination, perhaps inside your glove box or center console (so you aren't distracted by the sound of texts or alerts). 

4. If you’re driving in an unfamiliar car (like a rental), take time to learn the controls like adjusting the heat or turning on the wipers before you leave the lot. 

5. Don’t use infotainment screens while you’re moving. 

6. Don’t eat or handle food if it takes your eyes off the road. 

7. Leave with plenty of time to spare. Stress, like rushing to get somewhere on time, is a distractor, too. 

8. As a passenger, speak up: If the driver is distracted, encourage them to focus on the road. 

9. Take the #justdrive pledge: Join campaigns like NHTSA's to commit to no-phone driving. 

10.  Lead by example: We encourage parents and caregivers (or anyone with young eyes on them) to model safe driving habits. 

Making roads safer for all 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign that encourages drivers to take the no-phone pledge and #jujstdrive. We encourage all drivers in our community to take this pledge to practice prevention in their own lives, contribute to creating safer roads for all. 

If you’re a teacher or employer, you can play a part, too! Consider spreading the word at your school or workplace about the dangers of distracted driving. Encourage your students, coworkers, and employees to take the distraction-free pledge. 

Sharing timely, carefully sourced information from trusted safety organizations is an important part of PEMCO’s worry less, live more commitment to PNW drivers. To learn more, check out our auto safety collection.  

* NOTE: Information shared here is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. If you have legal concerns, we urge you to contact a law enforcement source or attorney in your community.