Injury Prevention Unit

Contact Information
Injury Prevention
Division of Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention
3530 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 800
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone:213-351-7847
Email: cli@ph.lacounty.gov


Driver Distraction - On-Board Navigational Systems

Changing a Compact Disk (CD) carries the greatest risk of driver distraction and significantly increases the risk of a vehicle crash

Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA) have suggested that CD playing/changing operation seems to carry most risk of driver distraction and risk of a vehicle crash. However listening to the radio and changing stations can also be a distraction.

Risk of Use While Driving What You Can Do?
  • Simply listening to radio broadcasts while driving can significantly increase driver distraction and attention (Jancke et al, 1994).
  1. When driving it is important to remember that as a driver your primary responsibility is to maintain and operate your vehicle.
  2. Be aware that entertainment activities that are carries out more frequently and for longer periods of time can result in a higher risk of driver distraction and a vehicle crash. These activities include CD or radio changing.
  3. If you are listening to a radio talk show or song that is very emotional, be aware of your own abilities and pull over to a safe location if needed.
  • Tuning a radio station while driving significantly increases driver distraction, especially among newer drivers (Monash University, Accident Research Centre, November 2003).
  • Operating a Compact Disk (CD) while driving is more distracting than dialing a mobile phone or eating (Monash University, Accident Research Centre, November 2003).

Mobile (Cell) Phones
On-Board Navigational Systems
Personal Distraction (passengers, eating, make-up)
Driver Distraction Home
Motor Vehicle Home

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