Texting while driving is not permitted in Idaho. Texting is mostly done on cellphones and is done by many young drivers, often by teenagers. The reasons texting while driving is dangerous are clear. Texting requires that at least one of the driver's hands be off the while. Some drivers actually have both hands off the steering wheel. While the driver is texting, he/she is also reading the letters being typed or a reply from someone else. Driving requires that both hands be on the steering wheel because one never knows when the need to steer clear of a pothole, a bicyclist, a dog or another car may arise. In the same manner, taking one's eyes off the road is dangerous too.
Another distraction which most drivers succumb to is talking on the cellphone while driving. In today's era, when Bluetooth devices are available inexpensively, some people still use their cell phones directly to talk while driving. This creates a two way distraction, one hand of the driver is busy handling the cellphone and the mind is focused on the conversation. Even though state laws don't permit talking on the cellphone while driving, some people still do it routinely. If there is an emergency, it's much better to stop your vehicle on the sides and have the conversation than to endanger you life along with the life of fellow commuters.
Another important distraction, which most people don't consider too important is driver fatigue. When one is driving continuously for many hours or is driving after doing work which drained off their energy, they are basically driving in a state when they don't have full control over their body. Driver fatigue is a major cause of highway accidents in Idaho but sadly there are no rules or laws to stop individuals from driving while they are tired or stressed.
Texting, talking on the cellphone and driver fatigue are only three forms of driver distraction. Driver distraction simply means the driver is not focused on traffic and the myriad of possible changes in that traffic. Other forms of driver distraction include eating in the car, changing stations on the radio, looking at other passengers while you talk, applying makeup and reading. There are other forms. Children and pets can also be a distraction. Looking out of the window at an interesting scene means you're not concentrating. The bottom line is your eyes, your mind and your hands should be focused on driving - not something else. Driver distractions can cause injury and death.
Another distraction which most drivers succumb to is talking on the cellphone while driving. In today's era, when Bluetooth devices are available inexpensively, some people still use their cell phones directly to talk while driving. This creates a two way distraction, one hand of the driver is busy handling the cellphone and the mind is focused on the conversation. Even though state laws don't permit talking on the cellphone while driving, some people still do it routinely. If there is an emergency, it's much better to stop your vehicle on the sides and have the conversation than to endanger you life along with the life of fellow commuters.
Another important distraction, which most people don't consider too important is driver fatigue. When one is driving continuously for many hours or is driving after doing work which drained off their energy, they are basically driving in a state when they don't have full control over their body. Driver fatigue is a major cause of highway accidents in Idaho but sadly there are no rules or laws to stop individuals from driving while they are tired or stressed.
Texting, talking on the cellphone and driver fatigue are only three forms of driver distraction. Driver distraction simply means the driver is not focused on traffic and the myriad of possible changes in that traffic. Other forms of driver distraction include eating in the car, changing stations on the radio, looking at other passengers while you talk, applying makeup and reading. There are other forms. Children and pets can also be a distraction. Looking out of the window at an interesting scene means you're not concentrating. The bottom line is your eyes, your mind and your hands should be focused on driving - not something else. Driver distractions can cause injury and death.
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