Justice Speaks Podcast Episode #17

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a critical time to address the growing epidemic of crashes caused by distracted driving. In 2014 alone, distracted driving resulted in 3,179 fatalities and 431,000 injuries in the United States. In this episode, Justice Speakers Institute Co-Founder David Wallace delves into the science, myths, and solutions to this urgent issue.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving involves manual, visual, or cognitive distractions—or a combination of these—that impair a driver’s focus. Cognitive distractions are especially dangerous as they divert the brain’s attention from driving, creating a “recipe for disaster.”

• For individuals under 25, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death.
• For those 25 and older, crashes are the second leading cause.

Myths About Multitasking

Contrary to popular belief, multitasking while driving is a myth. The human brain cannot perform multiple tasks simultaneously; instead, it switches between them. This “task switching” reduces performance and increases risk. Using a hands-free device is no safer than holding a phone because the brain is still distracted from the primary task: driving safely.

The Illusion of Awareness

Humans are naturally prone to overestimating their ability to process what’s happening around them. When driving distracted, much of the road environment goes unnoticed, leading to missed hazards and delayed reactions.

Myths About Cell Phones and Driving

Opponents of cell phone bans claim these measures harm productivity and are difficult to enforce. However, research disproves these myths:

• Companies with cell phone bans report decreased crashes without a loss of productivity.
• Public support for cell phone bans exceeds 66%.
• Law enforcement can and does enforce distracted driving laws.

Talking to a passenger is also vastly different from talking on a phone. Passengers can assist by spotting hazards or pausing conversations during challenging driving conditions—something a phone call cannot replicate.

A Call to Action

Distracted driving needs the same societal stigma that impaired driving now carries. Parents must model safe driving behaviors, and workplaces should adopt no-phone-while-driving policies. Before making that call or sending that text, ask yourself: “Is this really worth risking lives?”

Join the movement to eliminate distracted driving and help make our roads safer for everyone.