6.5.2.5: Distractions While Driving

The driver should not play the radio or CD player or use ear phones to listen to music or other distracting sounds while children are in the vehicles operated by the facility. The use of portable telephones or other devices to send or receive text messages, check email, etc. should be prohibited at all times while the vehicle is in motion or on an active road or highway (1,2,4). These devices should be used only when the vehicle is stopped and in emergency situations only.

In each vehicle from a center, a sign should be posted stating “NO RADIOS, TAPES, OR CDs.”

RATIONALE

Loud noise interferes with normal conversation and may be especially disturbing to certain children. It is also distracting to the driver and the passenger monitor or assistant attending to the children in the vehicle (3).

COMMENTS

A driver’s use of a portable radio, tape, mp3, or CD player with earphones is unacceptable.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

5.3.1.12 Availability and Use of a Telephone or Wireless Communication Device

REFERENCES

1. Kalkhoff, W., G. W. Stanford, Jr., D. Melamed. 2009. Effects of dichotically enhanced electronic communication on crash risk and performance during simulated driving. Perceptual Motor Skills 108:449-64.
2. Al-Darrab, I. A., Z. A. Kahn, S. I. Ishrat. 2009. An experimental study on the effect of mobile phone conversation on drivers’ reaction time in braking response. J Safety Research 40:185-89.
3. Chisholm, S. L., J. K. Caird, J. Lockhart. 2007. The effects of practice with mp3 players on driving performance. Accident Analysis Prev 40:704-13.
4. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Policy statement and compiled FAQs on distracted driving. http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety/Distracted+Driving+at+Distraction.gov/Policy+Statement+and+Compiled+FAQs+on+Distracted+Driving