Entry-Level Driver Training: Distracted Driving

This course is designed to provide learners with information that can help them manage distractions while on the road.

Course Overview

Distraction occurs any time you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving. Common distractions can be your phone, radio, even your navigation system. Anything that you do other than focusing on driving your vehicle safely is a distraction. Driving while distracted can have serious, and sometimes deadly, consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounted for 3,450 fatalities in 2016

This course is designed to provide learners with information that can help them manage distractions while on the road.

This unit must instruct driver-trainees in FMCSRs related to distracted driving and other key driver distraction driving issues, including improper cell phone use, texting, and use of in-cab technology (e.g. 392.80 and 392.82). This instruction will include training in the following aspects: visual attention (keeping eyes on the road); manual control (keeping hands on the wheel); and cognitive awareness (keeping mind on the task and safe operation of the CMV).

Course Topics

  • Recognizing Driving Distractions
  • In Cab Technology
  • Managing Driving Distractions
  • Steps to Avoid an Accident
  • Penalties