What Type of Distracter Are You?

The term "Distracted Driving" has just recently started to stick in the brains of drivers everywhere.  Before, people used "texting and driving" and "distracted driving" as interchangeable terms.  However, because distracted driving continues to cause problems on the road ways, more and more people are becoming aware of what distracted driving is and what it can consist of.

All distractions that drivers engage in while driving can fit in three main categories: Visual, Manual, and Mental.

Visual distractions involves activities that cause the driver to take his/her eyes off the road.  This type of distraction is commonly associated with applying facial make-up or looking for an item in the car.  

Manual distractions involves the driver taking his/her hands off the wheel while driving.    This type of distraction is commonly associated with eating or drinking while driving; at which point drivers tend to use their knees to steer the wheel.

Mental, also known as cognitive distractions involves taking your mind off the act of driving. This type of distraction is commonly associated with talking on the phone while driving.  A driver's mind is so focus on the conversation, he/she is usually unaware of what is happening on the roads.

So I ask, which type of distracter are you?  Let me help... if you text and drive, you are ALL three!!

Remember, #ItsJustNotWorthIt

Wisconsin Teens Paying the “Cheese” for Texting and Driving

The Cheese State has passed a law prohibiting all cell phone use drivers, while operating a motor vehicle.  Although Wisconsin law currently prohibits texting while driving, the new law provisions targets young driver statewide ages 18 and under, but also focuses on any drivers with probationary licensing.  This includes drivers who previous license was in another country, new residents to the state with less than three years of driving experience and/or under the age of 21, and citizens with suspended permits and/or licenses.  The law bans the use of cell phone usage will driving, whether a hands-free accessory accompanies it.  The fines under the new provisions range from $20 - $40 for the first offense and $50 - $100 for subsequent convictions within the same year.  The governor signed the law late March, and it took full effect throughout the state on November 1, 2012.         

Is this enough?  Granted Wisconsin has taken some initiative where other states have not, but as safe drivers, we must question is this a satisfactory solution?  Although teens/young adults statically engage in distracted driving practices more than any other age group that does not mean that they are the sole source.  Is it asking too much to require the same expectations of teens and young adults as we do their parents? 

The fines put in place in Wisconsin and several states across the nation do not seem to put much pressure on distract drivers to put down the phone.  There are parking tickets that cost more than $40, and speeding ticket prices drastically surpass $500 - $100.  This being the case, are lawmakers really taking distracted driving as a serious issue?  What do you think?