What is a Manual Distraction?
A manual distraction refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s hands away from the task of operating the vehicle. These distractions can range from simple tasks like adjusting the radio or climate controls to more complex actions like using a handheld device or reaching for objects within the vehicle. Manual distractions can significantly impair a driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle and react to hazards on the road, increased as well as some degree of visual attention.
Manual distractions are any activities that require the involvement of the driver’s hands. These may be activities like handling a cell phone, looking at a work order, eating or drinking, or making adjustments to the radio or climate controls. Manual distractions not only involve the use of the hands (which should be on the steering wheel) but also require cognitive attention from the driver as well as some degree of visual attention.
Manual Distractions vs Cognitive Distractions
While manual distractions involve physical actions that divert the driver’s hands from the steering wheel or controls, cognitive distractions are actions that mentally divert the driver’s focus from driving. Safe driving requires full attention on driving as the driver should be continuously processing not only the operation of the vehicle, but also recognizing and reacting to various contextual inputs (situations outside the vehicle like other traffic, road signs, etc.). While conversing on a Bluetooth phone connection in the vehicle may be looked upon as marginally safer than handling the phone, even a hands-free phone call will create a cognitive distraction. Even when a manual, physical, or cognitive distraction ends, there is a lingering negative effect on driver attention.
Manual Distractions vs Visual Distractions
Manual distractions involve the physical participation of the driver, thus compromising the safety of the physical act of driving. Manual distractions always involve compromised cognitive distraction and typically also involve visual distractions. Visual distractions occur when the driver’s eyes are diverted from the road. This can happen when looking at a GPS device, reading a text message, or even turning to talk to a passenger.
Visual distractions are dangerous because they take the driver’s focus away from the road, leading to missed signals, unanticipated changes in traffic conditions, and a greater risk of collisions. Both types of distractions are hazardous, but they often occur simultaneously, compounding the danger. Understanding the distinct nature of manual and visual distractions can help drivers take proactive measures to minimize them, such as using hands-free devices and setting up navigation routes before starting a journey. Prioritizing safe driving practices can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and enhance overall road safety.
Examples of Manual Distractions While Driving
Examples of manual distractions while driving include:
- GPS navigation, radio, CD, infotainment, or other adjustments such as temperature, seat and mirror.
- Drinking or eating
- Using a handheld device for any purpose
- Personal grooming
- Seeking objects in the vehicle while driving
- These activities require the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel or controls, diverting their attention away from the primary task of driving and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
How Does LifeSaver Mobile Work Prevent Manual Distraction?
LifeSaver Mobile will make driving safer by addressing all three major types of driver distraction. The driver learns not to interact with any mobile device that has the LifeSaver Mobile solution. By not interacting with the mobile device, the driver lessens the risk of physical distraction, visual interaction, as well as cognitive interaction. The risk of physically handling a cell phone is virtually eliminated, along with the associated risk of visually looking at the device and cognitively focusing on interactions with the device.
