April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a traditional time to reflect on the growing dangers of multitasking behind the wheel. But at ProClip USA, we always consider the fine line between staying connected and staying safe.
It is no debate that distracted driving is a serious problem in the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2022 alone, distracted driving claimed the lives of more than 3,300 people and injured another 290,000 – a sobering reminder that safety on the road requires more than just good intentions.
As mobile devices become integral to our daily lives, especially in professional industries where data and logging devices are necessary for operation, it is essential to ensure that they are safely and properly mounted to minimize distraction.
From delivery drivers to bus operators, technology plays an important role in getting the job done. This is where high-quality vehicle mounts are not only critical to safe operation, but also the law in most states. Investing in a secure mount for your mobile devices can reduce distractions, keep drivers safer, and help businesses stay productive while staying compliant with ever-changing mandates.
Let’s look at the scientific and human factors behind why proper and secure mounting of devices is important to safe vehicle operation.
1. Visual Attention & Eye Movement
Studies show that drivers who take their eyes off the road for more than two seconds are twice as likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash.
- Proper mounting (e.g., dashboard or windshield, just below eye level) keeps glance time short and close to the road view.
2. Cognitive Load Management
Concept: The brain can only handle so much information (cognitive load). Poorly placed devices increase workload by making drivers search or reach. When devices are within the ideal “reach and glance envelope”, they reduce decision-making time and preserve attention on driving tasks.
- Secure mounting aligns with ergonomic design standards that reduce unnecessary brain processing during operation.
3. Manual Distraction Reduction
Holding a phone or interacting with loose devices causes manual distraction, removing hands from the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that manual distraction is a key factor in texting-related crashes, which are among the most dangerous.
- A properly mounted device allows one-touch or voice-command interaction, eliminating the need for handheld usage.
4. Reduced Glance Duration
Devices placed near the driver’s line of sight reduce glance duration and gaze redirection, meaning the eyes return to the road faster.
- Customized mounting solutions allow for the perfect location to be selected based on these factors, not based on a one-size-fits-all mounting design.
5. Crash Avoidance Time Margin
Time is critical. At 55 mph, taking eyes off the road for 5 seconds means driving the length of a football field blind.
- Customized mounting solutions allow quick glances under 2 seconds, providing drivers with a better time margin to avoid collisions or react to road changes.
While zero distractions is always the best method for ensuring safe driving, the reality is that many drivers need to stay connected. For those drivers, investing in high-quality, custom vehicle mounts is an easy way to reduce the risk of distracted driving, comply with hands-free laws, and increase productivity on the road.
For businesses, this means fewer distractions, more focused drivers, and a higher level of operational efficiency. For drivers, it means being able to access important information without putting themselves or others at risk.
In the end, the goal is simple: reduce distractions and improve safety. Whether you choose ProClip’s custom vehicle mounts or not, securely mounting phones or tablets helps drivers keep their attention where it belongs – on the road – while still having access to the technology they need to stay productive.
This Distracted Driving Awareness Month, let’s all take a step toward safer roads for everyone.
