Distracted driving: The true menace on South Africa’s roads

As the end of the year fast approaches, many South Africans find themselves rushing to finish meetings, attend end-of-year functions, Christmas shopping and other events.

With so many demands on our time, it’s all too easy for our minds to wander while driving.

Significant threat

However, distracted driving remains one of the most significant threats to road safety, especially during this busy season.

Recent research from the Automobile Association (AA), Discovery Insure and other road safety studies indicates a concerning rise in distracted driving, with mobile phone usage topping the list.

“Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it combines all three types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive,” explains Dewald Ranft, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA).

“Distracted driving goes beyond texting however; it includes anything that diverts your attention from the road.”

Visual distractions occur when a driver takes their eyes off the road, manual distractions involve taking their hands off the steering wheel, and cognitive distractions occur when their mind isn’t focused on driving.

Common distractions include eating, grooming, adjusting music, or engaging in conversations.

Studies show that drivers texting behind the wheel are significantly more likely to miss critical cues, putting themselves and others at higher risk.

Ranft acknowledges that many people now treat their vehicles as mobile offices, which only increases these risky behaviours.

“However, it’s crucial to remember that distracted driving can have deadly consequences,” he warns.

Helpful tips

• Avoid multitasking: Refrain from reading, eating, changing clothes, or grooming while driving
• Keep young passengers safe: Ensure children are securely buckled up, and if they require attention, pull over to assist them safely
• Secure pets: Use a pet carrier that is properly restrained to keep animals from moving freely inside the vehicle
• Prepare a playlist: Choose your music beforehand to avoid adjusting settings while driving
• Communicate with loved ones: Let family and friends know you won’t be answering calls or texts while on the road
• Maintain a safe distance: Allow ample following distance to give yourself time to react if necessary