Tony Summerville
Jan 28, 2017
1 minute read
Fleet Management Blog
I was researching distracted driving statistics the other day, and one in particular on the Distraction.gov website stood out:
“Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field, blindfolded.”
An entire football field. Picture the length of a football field, then think about all that could happen on a road in the distance between the two end zones.
The image really stands out.
At any given daylight moment more than 660,000 drivers are using their cell phone while driving in America. Nearly everyone has “just glanced” at their phone to read a text message, check email, or change songs on Spotify.
Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. “Just a glance” still means a significant distance is traveled, even at lower speeds.
With so many drivers on the road haphazardly using mobile devices while driving, the odds of something terrible happening is significant. No fleet can afford this risky behavior. It's time to tighten the grip on driver behaviors to better protect your fleet.
About the Author
Tony Summerville
CEO/Founder
Tony is the CEO and founder of Fleetio and a passionate thought leader who lives at the intersection of transportation and technology. As a competitive swimmer growing up, he was once ranked 5th in the nation for his age group.
As an expert in the field of fleet management and road safety, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion on distracted driving. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the associated statistics, regulations, and the technological solutions available to mitigate the risks associated with distracted driving.
The excerpt you provided delves into the alarming statistics of distracted driving, particularly focusing on the dangers of texting while driving. The reference to the Distraction.gov website emphasizes the gravity of the issue, highlighting that sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. The analogy used, comparing this to driving the length of an entire football field blindfolded at 55 mph, vividly illustrates the potential consequences of such behavior.
The statistic that more than 660,000 drivers in America are using their cell phones at any given daylight moment underscores the widespread prevalence of distracted driving. The mention of drivers "just glancing" at their phones for activities like reading a text, checking email, or changing songs on Spotify emphasizes the seemingly innocuous nature of these actions, despite the significant danger they pose.
The average time of five seconds that a driver's eyes are off the road while texting is a critical point, emphasizing that even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a substantial distance covered, especially at higher speeds. This insight is crucial for understanding the potential risks associated with distracted driving.
The article also emphasizes the collective responsibility to address this issue, stating that no fleet can afford to tolerate such risky behavior. The call to "tighten the grip on driver behaviors" underscores the need for proactive measures to ensure the safety of fleet operations.
The author, Tony Summerville, is introduced as the CEO and founder of Fleetio, positioning him as a thought leader at the intersection of transportation and technology. His background as a competitive swimmer adds a personal touch to his expertise, suggesting a disciplined and focused approach to problem-solving.
In conclusion, the provided article underscores the urgency of addressing distracted driving in the context of fleet management. The statistics, analogies, and the authoritative voice of the author collectively highlight the gravity of the issue and call for proactive measures to ensure the safety of drivers and fleets on the road.
