Eliminate distractions: please give driving your undivided attention

January 30, 2008

You probably would question the judgment and common sense of anyone who talks on a cell phone, eats a meal or reads a map while handling a lethal weapon? Yet many drivers engage in these distracting activities while trying to control the potentially destructive-even deadly-power of a motor vehicle.

If you're not paying attention while behind the wheel to traffic conditions and road hazards, you drastically increase the chances of causing a crash or failing to avoid one. Eliminating distractions while driving is especially important during winter months when snow, fog and other types of inclement weather can severely reduce your visibility as well as your vehicle's traction and stopping ability.

"Distracted and inattentive driving is a serious safety problem," says Lieutenant Nick Wanink of the Wisconsin State Patrol Northwest Region, Spooner Post. "Using a cell phone while driving is often mentioned as a dangerous distraction, but there are many others, too. Our officers often see drivers putting on cosmetics, looking in mirrors to comb their hair, and rummaging around for items on the floor, on the dashboard or in the glove compartment instead of paying attention to what's going on around them. Drivers also are distracted when they focus on a crash scene or other situations on the side of a road instead of what's in front of them."

Because distracted driving is so dangerous, state law prohibits drivers from being "so engaged or occupied as to interfere with the safe driving of that vehicle." Violating this law costs $173.40 with four demerit points assessed on a driver's license.

"Driving a motor vehicle is the single-most dangerous thing most people do, and it requires your undivided attention. If you absolutely need to use a cell phone for a non-emergency call, read a map, or find something in the glove compartment, you should exit the highway or pull off the road into a safe area," says Lieutenant Wanink. "By paying strict attention to your driving, you'll protect yourself, your passengers and other drivers."
For more information, contact the State Patrol Spooner Post at (715) 635-2141.

For more information, contact:
Lieutenant Nick Wanink, Executive Officer, Northwest Region
(715) 635-2141, nicholas.wanink@dot.state.wi.us