December Distractions and Road Safety

The holiday season is a joyful time filled with friends, family and excitement, but for truck drivers, the season brings heightened awareness. According to Fleet Owner, a study by Cambridge Mobile Telematics, a telematics service provider that measures road risks, distracted driving skyrockets around the holiday season. The study found that drivers spend an average of two minutes and 13 seconds on their phones while driving during the Thanksgiving holiday and the two weeks before and after the holiday. Taking these numbers into account, the holiday season means truck drivers need to be on high alert.

Distracted Driving Spikes During the Holiday Season

The American Automobile Association estimated that in 2022, nearly 102 million Americans drove to their Christmas destinations. With lessening COVID-19 concerns, the average cost of a gallon of gas dropping nearly 20 cents from 2022 to 2023 and many other factors at play, we can expect this Christmas travel season to be even busier than years before. Besides the significant increase in road travel, people are generally more inclined to participate in distracted driving in December than in other months. An article written by The Washington Post states that there is a 33% increase in distracted driving during the Christmas season. The article mentions that individuals behind the wheel during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year are not only more likely to text while they are driving but access social media as well.

Directions = Distractions

The increase in travelers also correlates to countless people traveling on roads they are not familiar with, which in the cold and sometimes icy months of December, can be a recipe for disaster. A survey performed in December 2022 by the National Distracted Driving Coalition found that 74% of respondents admitted to accessing their cell phones to look at directions. While using virtual maps is not inherently wrong, this statistic shows that almost ¾ of the respondents were at some point distracted from the road while driving in unfamiliar territories. All these factors combined with often poor road conditions and December being on average the darkest month out of the year certainly make it a difficult month to travel. This begs the question; how can truck drivers ensure safety to both themselves and other drivers when on the road this December?

Prepare Yourself to Avoid Distracted Drivers and Driving

As a truck driver, safety is always of the utmost importance, but during the holiday season, the importance of safe driving increases drastically. Focus only on driving. Below are six tips to keep you focused while in the driver’s seat.

Stow away or secure any loose items, possessions and distractions in the cabin. By doing this, you’ll be able to ensure you won’t have to reach for items while driving.
Ensure that you are well rested before and during your drive so that the effects of fatigue are not bothersome on your route.
Be aware of weather conditions: adjust your speed and driving style when expecting to encounter rain, sleet or snow.
Eat or snack before departing or while at a rest stop to ensure you are not distracted by hunger while operating your truck.
Pick hands-free directions, and utilize voice-activated systems or GPS to navigate, removing the need to handle your devices.
Prepare your vehicle before you embark on your haul. Set up your vehicle’s mirrors and seat positions, GPS, sound system and temperature control before you depart.

Safe Driving this December

The holiday season is a busy and stressful time for many Americans, and an overarching contributing factor is the travel associated with the season. December is a time when caution is not just recommended but required. Stay safe this December, and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the PTP Transport Team.

To learn more about our culture of safety at PTP Transport, check out our website and see how we incentivize and promote safe driving habits.