What is a distraction, in considering it to be added to a distracted driving list?
A Distraction is the diversion of attention of an individual or group from the chosen object of attention onto the source of distraction.
Distraction is caused by one of the following: lack of ability to pay attention; lack of interest in the object of attention; greater interest in something other than the object of attention; or the great intensity, novelty or attractiveness of something other than the object of attention.
So, when you look at the definition then one would say if it causes a person to not “pay attention” to driving then it should be added to the list of distractions. Cell phones are almost a necessity to truck drivers, as long as they are used right, I would say keep them. But, that’s the problem people don’t use them in the right way. Here is a current map of the states who currently ban the use of cell phones while driving.
Texting while driving should be against the law, and in fact it is in some states. This should be a given, there should be no discussion held on this, it should be outlawed for a driver of any vehicle that is in MOTION.
CB Radios in trucks are just about useless nowadays, as just about the only thing you hear on them are cursing and vulgar talk. They used to be considered a tool for a truck driver, but now they could be considered a distraction. GPS units for trucks are just about useless as well, whatever happened to the good ole map?
Now I agree a “QualComm” needs to be left alone in the trucks, they can be set to not function while the truck is in motion. These need to be left in place because they are used as a “tracking” device, all the company has to do is look up on the computer and can find that truck within a few seconds.
As much as I like to listen to the stereo, this can be a distraction as well because, you have to remove your hand from the steering wheel, and take your eyes off the road to operate it. Getting back to the “cell phone” if it is used with a hands free device, then I would say it’s better than using the phone by itself.
Eating while driving is a distraction, but we all have to eat. If you don’t have time to stop and eat then you need to work on your trip planning skills. While driving for 15 years, I rarely had a late load. If I did, it was something serious that caused it. But, I always had time to stop and grab something to eat.
Drinking coffee or pop or water is also a distraction, but it is something I don’t really see a problem with, but it is still considered a distraction, and could come upon the chopping block.
Something a lot of people don’t realize is that smoking is a distraction, while driving it might end up on the chopping block again, as a lot of places have already tried to out law smoking in the work environment.
If they really want to get down to it, looking at the mirrors are a distraction as well. But, I bet it doesn’t even get mentioned. What about these companies who have installed camera’s on their trucks that show the back of the trailers? The screen will also be considered a distraction.
They are really going to have to look at this hard, as there are a lot of distractions that drivers have, and a few of them are for safety, but are still a distraction. And if they are going after only one distraction, then that is wrong. A distraction is a distraction, so looks like there will be another big battle to look forward to. Be safe out on the road!
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I disagree about the GPS. A decent GPS with a little trip planning is and absolute necessity these days. It was bad in the old days getting directions to the place when we all spoke the same language. Nowadays, Half the dock workers I come across can’t talk to me let alone give directions. Thats the world we live in. As for the other distractions you listed, there was a time when the government trusted us to use common sense. If you didn’t and something went wrong, you where held accountable. We are supposed to be adults and the government is supposed to be accountable to us, not the other way around. We let our rights get eroded away one chip at a time when we allow so many little rules to happen in every facet of life. Unfortunately the loudest among us are the most risk averse and these things happen because no one else says shut up. Enough is enough. I have news for ya. Life is risk. Its also not for the children, its for your own sense of moral superiority.