Distracted Driving BillBoard While Driving

Example of Distracted Driving Billboard

Examples of distracted driving:  cell phones, babies, makeup, shaving, texting, eating to drowsiness, to red-light cameras, it's hard not to get distracted when you're behind the wheel. And according to one local driver in Georgia, there could be another distraction that's even harder to avoid. Electronic billboards which change constantly taking your eyes off the road.

According to a study published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention, digital billboards may be more distracting to drivers than other billboards and signs. The study found that electronic billboards divert drivers' eyes from the road for more than two seconds.

The bright lights, movement, and dynamic images of digital billboards easily draw drivers' attention and gaze, even when they do not mean to take their eyes off the road.

However, a study by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) found that drivers are not any more likely to be distracted by digital billboards than by stationary signs. On average, the drivers in this study devoted between 73% and 85% of their visual attention to the road ahead.

Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver's attention away from the primary task of operating a vehicle safely. This can include activities such as using a cell phone, texting, eating or drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, using in-car technologies, or any other action that takes the driver's focus away from the road.

Distracted driving is a significant and dangerous problem that can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. It impairs a driver's ability to react quickly to changing road conditions and increases the likelihood of collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States, distracted driving claimed the lives of 2,841 people in 2018 alone.

To combat distracted driving, many jurisdictions have implemented laws and regulations to restrict or prohibit certain activities while driving, such as texting or using handheld devices. Public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives are also conducted to promote safe driving habits and raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

It's important for drivers to prioritize safety and avoid distractions while behind the wheel. This can involve keeping mobile devices out of reach or using hands-free systems, pulling over to a safe location if there's a need to attend to something, and focusing on the road and surroundings at all times. By practicing attentive and responsible driving, we can help reduce the risks associated with distracted driving.