What skills does a driver use?
Skills needed by a driver include:
To use a cellular phone, the operator also needs all of these skills:
- context watching the road (in front and around the vehicle)
- context using mirrors, shoulder checks
- context checking gauges, speedometer, etc.
- context Visual (seeing)
- context squealing of brakes
- context the sirens of an emergency vehicle
- context vehicle sounds
- context Auditory (listening)
- context turning the steering wheel
- context activating signals, headlights, horns, etc.
- context pressing the accelerator, brakes, clutch
- context Biomechanical ('doing', activity, hand-eye coordination)
- context anticipating any future movements
- context assessing situations such as the movement of other vehicles, weather conditions, etc.
- context preparing to avoid hazards
- context Cognitive (thinking)
- context Visual - locating correct buttons, scanning screen
- context Auditory - listening to a conversation
- context Biomechanical - pressing buttons, holding the phone
- context Cognitive - engaging in conversation
What are some common causes of driver distraction?
It is not known how much distraction a driver can "handle" before they lose focus on the road. We probably have all seen examples of activities that can distract drivers, such as:
- context Eating/Drinking/Smoking
- context Reading (including looking at a map, book, etc.)
- context Applying makeup, shaving, brushing teeth, etc.
- context Adjusting the radio, music players, climate, or other controls
- context Adjusting features such as pedals or steering wheel
- context Watching a person, object or event outside the vehicle
- context Moving objects in the vehicle (devices, food containers, insects, etc.)
- context Talking with other people, especially if the driver turns to those in the back seat of the car
- context Dialling, talking or texting on a cellular phone
- context Using CB radio or other communication devices
- context Features of cellular phones and other wireless communication devices, including the Internet, social media, e-mail, navigation systems, etc
- context Other wireless devices such as laptop computers, tablets, etc.
- context In-vehicle navigation systems (GPS systems, etc.)
- context Night vision systems
What are some 'good' driving tips?
Most importantly, pay attention. Incidents occur because drivers are not aware of the conditions around them. Be aware and know that distractions can come from many sources at any time.
In general:
Before leaving:
While driving:
DO
DO NOT
- context Be well rested.
- context Do not consume alcohol, drugs, medications or other substances that may affect driving.
- context Try not to think about personal or business matters, especially those that are upsetting.
- context Do not use cellular phones or other devices if at all possible (including hands-free devices).
- context Stow belongings properly.
- context Adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, climate controls, etc.
- context Select a radio station or have the music device ready.
- context Plan your route, check the map or read the directions.
- context Pay attention.
- context Keep distractions to a minimum (do not eat, drink, smoke, adjust the radio, use the phone, etc.).
- context Be aware of changing driving conditions such as the volume of traffic, weather, etc.
- context Do not reach for items that have fallen or shifted unless absolutely necessary and can be done safely.
- context Do not write notes while driving and talking.
- context Do not glance at incoming messages.
- context Be aware of other vehicles or persons who may be distracted.
- context Avoid using the phone or device.
- context Have a voicemail option and allow it to pick up messages.
- context Pull over to a safe location to make or take a call. Pull out of the flow of traffic, especially when on a major highway (do not stop on the shoulder). Tell your caller you will phone them back after you have parked.
- context Have a passenger answer or place the call.
- context Use a hands-free device when using the phone (e.g., voice activation, single touch) but remember the activation process and conversation itself is still a distraction.
- context Make sure other devices are mounted (not moving around) while driving.
- context Pre-program commonly used numbers.
- context Pause conversations if driving conditions become hazardous (e.g., rain, snow, construction, heavy traffic).
- context Do not participate in very emotional or stressful conversations while driving.
- context Do not take notes or look up information while driving. Ask the person on the other end to make notes for you if necessary.
- context Do not use the device, including the text or e-mail feature, even when at a stop sign or red light.
- context Do not make gestures while talking and driving.
Are there laws about using cellular phones while driving?
In Canada, all provinces and territories (except Nunavut) currently have legislation which specifically bans or restricts using hand-held cellular phones or other similar devices while driving. In all cases, drivers who cause incidents or who are driving unsafely while using a cell phone or device can be charged with offences such as dangerous driving, careless driving, and criminal negligence causing death or injury. Calling 911 in an emergency is generally allowed, but do so from a safe area.
Always check with the local, provincial, state or country regulations.