Drivers urged to avoid becoming distracted by 'Mindless Moments' and stay focused behind the wheel

A new thought-provoking campaign by Safer Roads Greater Manchester is encouraging drivers to stay focused behind the wheel by avoiding distractions and drive safely.

Mindless Moments warns of the dangers of becoming distracted while driving, which is a significant cause of road collisions that lead to the death and serious injury of drivers, passengers and others.

Figures show that between 2017 and 2021, ‘distractions in vehicle’ contributed to 1,104 road collisions in the north west of England while ‘distractions outside vehicle’ contributed to 442 incidents. ‘Driver using mobile phone’ contributed to 134 collisions over the same period.

From glancing at a mobile phone, letting your mind wander or talking to a friend in the car, the smallest distractions can make drivers slower to recognise and react to dangers on the road.

A series of short films released as part of the campaign turns this crucial messaging on its head by asking drivers to imagine the consequences of losing concentration in everyday scenarios.

The videos show a dentist eating a sandwich while inspecting a patient’s mouth, a goalkeeper getting hit in the face by a football while checking his phone, two cinemagoers getting carried away by conversation, and a barber drifting off and taking a bit too much off the top of a customer’s head.

At the end of each video the scenario is transported back to a car and shows a driver losing concentration at a critical moment, reinforcing the safety messaging at the heart of Mindless Moments.

Peter Boulton, TfGM’s Head of Highways, said: “It doesn’t take much to become distracted when you’re driving, and one mindless moment can have potentially disastrous consequences, including serious injury or death.

“Drivers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that they minimise the potential for distraction when driving.

“I’d urge all drivers, whether you’ve just passed your test or have been driving for years, to watch these videos. There are so many potential distractions when driving and therefore vital that drivers take time to ensure they are safe behind the wheel.”

According to research by The AA, nearly 70% of drivers have their mind on other things while driving.

But just a few small changes can help you get ready for the journey ahead, stay focused, and get to your destination safely:

• Put your phone away, in the glovebox or your bag. Using a hand-held phone while driving could lead to a £200 fine, six points on your licence and loss of licence if you’re a new driver within two years.
• Don’t eat, drink, smoke or vape on the move.
• Clear out any clutter, such as empty bottles or cans, which can distract you and could even get in the way of your pedals.
• Ask passengers to help with directions or change the radio station.
• Avoid driving when overly tired, stressed, or not able to give your full attention.
• If you’re feeling tired, get some fresh air or pull over safely until you feel more awake.
• If you’re finding the drive difficult, ask passengers to keep conversation to a minimum.

Superintendent Gareth Parkin, of GMP’s Transport Unit, said: “Unfortunately, we know all too well the devastation that distraction can cause behind the wheel.

“It only takes a moment to become distracted from the road and the consequences can be life-changing. Our priority is to prevent people being killed and injured on our roads, but we really need your help to achieve this.

“As a driver, it is incredibly important that we give the roads our full attention. Whether it is checking your phone, changing the music or letting our minds wander, these distracting moments could prevent you from spotting a dangerous hazard ahead. 

“As a passenger we also have the responsibility not to distract drivers. If you think the driver is struggling, suggest pulling over at a safe place to get some fresh air.”