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INSafe

DOL > INSafe > Teen Worker Safety Teen Worker Safety

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any non-driving activity a motorists engages in that has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving. Busy lifestyles and advances in technology are just a couple of the reasons why individuals may engage in distracted driving activities.

When drivers engage in distracted driving activities, it increases the likelihood of crashes. Distracted driving can have deadly consequences.

Main Types of Driver Distraction

There are primarily three types of distracted driving.

  • Cognitive distraction is taking your mind off the road.
  • Visual distraction is taking your eyes off the road.
  • Manual distraction is taking your hands off the wheel.

Not all three types of distracted driving must be engaged to attribute to driver inattention.

Distracted Driving Activities

There are a number of activities that are likely to distract motorists from driving. Some common distracted driving activities include the following:

  • Using a cell phone to talk, text or browse the Internet;
  • Eating or drinking;
  • Talking to passengers;
  • Grooming (e.g., applying make-up, brushing hair, flossing, etc.);
  • Reading, including maps;
  • Using a PDA or navigation system (GPS);
  • Watching a video and;
  • Changing the radio station, CD or Mp3 player.

While all distracted driving activities are dangerous, experts say that texting is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distraction--cognitive, visual and manual. Not only is texting or reading messages while driving dangerous, in Indiana as well as many other states, it is against the law.

Texting While Driving -- Effective July 1, 2011: It is unlawful to type, transmit, or read e-mail or text messages on a communication device while driving in Indiana. Violators may potentially face fines of up to $500. For more information about texting while driving or distracted driving, please visit DISTRACTION.GOV.

Teen Worker Safety and Health

Between 2003 and 2010, 311 workers, ages 17 and younger, were killed while working in workplaces throughout the United States. Thousands more in this same age group were involved in workplace accidents that resulted in serious and severe injuries. 

Regardless of where you work—in a restaurant or grocery store, in an office on a farm, it is the mission of the Indiana Department of Labor to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities. 

To help you better understand safety and health hazards in the workplace, we have developed a Summer Safety Video. While the video does not cover every workplace safety or health hazard you may encounter while working, it will help you better understand how to identify and avoid hazardous situations on-the-job.

To learn more about what you can do to remain safe while working in your job, visit federal OSHA's website at www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/. For additional questions regarding the prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses, please contact INSafe at insafe@dol.in.gov.

Also, if you are under 18, be sure you check out the Indiana Department of Labor’s Bureau of Child Labor website. This is a great resource for information on work permits and hour restrictions, as well as prohibited and hazardous occupations. There are many Frequently Asked Questions, forms, publications and resources that will guide you as you prepare to enter the workforce. 

A video, The Teen Worker, is also available to provide a brief overview of Indiana’s Child labor Laws. If you have questions concerning Indiana's Child Labor Laws or need additional information about prohibited and hazardous occupations, please email the Bureau of Child Labor at childlabor@dol.in.gov .