A few seconds is all it takes to become a distracted driver. Distracted driving is defined as any activity that diverts attention from safe driving. Distractions include talking, texting, eating, drinking and even adjusting the radio; simple tasks that can turn into dangerous and even deadly consequences.

We have turned into a multi-tasking generation. Unfortunate as it may sound, distracted driving has been coined as an epidemic. Consequently, many states have now banned the use of cell phones and other hand-held devices while driving. In fact, Illinois has prohibited the use of hand-held cellphones, texting and the use of other electronic communications since 2018. Indiana has also incorporated its own hands-free driving law that began in July of 2020. These are primary enforcement laws which means an officer may cite a driver for simply using a handheld cellphone without any other traffic offense taking place.

Trauma centers all around the country, including here at Union Health, want to curb distracted driving and make sure drivers are keeping their eyes and minds on the road.

According to the National Safety Council, one out of every four accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving. Overall cell phone use while driving contributes to 1.6 million crashes each year. While phones are a massive issue, they aren't the only distraction. More than 10 percent of fatal crashes in the United States in the past seven years involved a distracted driver.

Let's face it, becoming sidetracked behind the wheel is easy to do. We've all done it. In fact, there are so many ways to be distracted while driving that experts have classified them into four different categories: Visual, Manual, Auditory and Cognitive. 

Let's break it down.

• Visual Distractions: Taking your eyes off the road.

• Texting, reading billboards, checking on kids in the backseat, 'rubbernecking'

• Manual Distractions: Removing your hand from the wheel for any reason.

• Changing the radio station, checking the GPS, smoking, reaching for a snack.

• Auditory Distractions: Noises inside and outside the vehicle.

• Engine noises, crying baby, listening to the radio.

• Cognitive Distractions: Something causes you to lose focus or takes your mind off driving.

• Talking on the phone, daydreaming, talking to passengers.

Safe driving begins with you. It's important to remember the basics and stay focused while on the open road. Here are a few important safety tips to increase driving safety.

• Hang up and pay attention.

• Keep your eyes on the road – not on your phone, radio or any other distractions.

• Stay alert.

• Always designate a sober driver.

• Obey all traffic laws.

• Avoid complicated tasks while driving.

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• If you're drowsy, pull off the road and find a safe place to park.

• Avoid eating while driving.

Always remember to Play it Safe!

This important safety message is brought to you by your Union Hospital Emergency Trauma Team.