Texting and phone use are leading causes of distracted driving. The law in Maryland prohibits the use of a handheld phone while driving. This includes the writing, sending or reading of a text or electronic message. Avoid a fine and park the phone before you drive.
All distractions endanger drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Most distractions involve cognitive and sensory distraction. When you make a call on a hand-held phone you are not only holding and looking at the phone, you are also dialing, listening and thinking about the conversation.
Driver distractions include:
- Texting
- Using a cell phone or smartphone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps
- Using a navigation system
- Watching a video
- Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
Remember distractions are:
- Visual - looking at something other than the road
- Auditory - hearing something not related to driving
- Manual - manipulating something other than the wheel
- Cognitive - thinking about something other than driving
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