Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Tennessee — and it’s entirely preventable. Yet many drivers still believe false or outdated ideas about what counts as distracted driving and how dangerous it really is. These myths can lead people to take unnecessary risks behind the wheel, endangering themselves and everyone around them.
If you think you can safely multitask while driving or glance at your phone “just for a second,” think again. In this post, we’ll break down five of the most common myths about distracted driving and explain why believing them could cost you more than just a traffic ticket — it could cost you your health, your license, or even your life.
If you’ve already been injured by a distracted driver in Murfreesboro or nearby, read on to learn the truth — and how a local distracted driving attorney at Murfreesboro Car Accident Lawyer can help you take the next step toward recovery.
Myth #1: “I Can Multitask While Driving”
The Truth: No, you can’t. Multitasking is a myth — especially behind the wheel. The human brain doesn’t actually perform two tasks at once; it switches rapidly between them. That switch in focus creates mental lag, which reduces reaction time and situational awareness.
Even tasks that seem simple — like changing the radio station or taking a sip of coffee — can become dangerous distractions. When you’re driving, your brain should be 100% focused on the road, not juggling multiple activities.
Myth #2: “Hands-Free Devices Are Completely Safe”
The Truth: While hands-free devices may help reduce manual distractions, they do nothing to eliminate cognitive distractions. In other words, your hands might be on the wheel — but your mind is somewhere else.
Studies show that talking on a hands-free device still slows reaction time and reduces a driver’s ability to notice and respond to hazards. The distraction comes from thinking about the conversation, not just holding the phone.
Myth #3: “Texting at Red Lights Is Harmless”
The Truth: It might feel like a safe time to look down at your phone, but it’s still risky. First, your attention is no longer on your surroundings — pedestrians may be crossing, emergency vehicles could approach, or traffic patterns could change in an instant.
Second, the distraction lingers even after you put your phone down. Known as “inattention blindness,” your brain needs a moment to refocus. That delay could mean missing a green light or, worse, reacting too late to a dangerous situation.
Myth #4: “Only Teenagers Drive Distracted”
The Truth: Distracted driving is not just a teen issue. Adults are often just as guilty — if not more. Adults are frequently distracted by phone calls, work emails, GPS apps, or multitasking during commutes.
In fact, many parents model distracted driving behavior to their children, reinforcing dangerous habits. Distracted driving is a problem that spans all ages, not just new or inexperienced drivers.
Myth #5: “A Quick Glance at My Phone Won’t Hurt”
The Truth: It only takes a second — and that’s all it takes to cause a crash. At 55 miles per hour, looking at your phone for just five seconds is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Even “just a glance” can cause you to miss a red light, fail to see a stopped car ahead, or drift into another lane. There’s no such thing as a safe distraction while driving.
The Real Cost of Believing These Myths
Believing these myths about distracted driving can have serious, and sometimes irreversible, consequences. Many drivers think a quick glance at their phone or a hands-free call is harmless, but the data tells a different story.
In the past year, there have been crashes caused by distracted driving every 43 minutes in Tennessee. Distracted driving is responsible for thousands of crashes, injuries, and deaths every year. And these incidents are often entirely avoidable.
The cost isn’t just physical. Victims of distracted driving may suffer from long-term or permanent injuries, leading to overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. In severe cases, families are left to cope with the wrongful death of a loved one due to someone else’s momentary lapse in judgment.
There are also legal and financial consequences. If you cause an accident while distracted, you could face citations, higher insurance premiums, lawsuits, and even criminal charges depending on the outcome.
On the flip side, if you’re the victim of a distracted driver, proving the other party was inattentive can be challenging without legal guidance, especially when insurance companies try to shift the blame.
Ultimately, these myths create a false sense of security that puts lives at risk. Staying informed and alert is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe on the road and to protect yourself legally if the worst happens.
Don’t Let Distracted Driving Myths Put You in Danger: Stay Safe by Staying Focused
Distracted driving isn’t just about texting — and it’s not limited to teenagers. It’s a widespread, dangerous habit that can lead to serious accidents and lifelong consequences. Believing these myths only increases your risk, both behind the wheel and when trying to recover compensation after a crash.
The safest drivers are the ones who stay informed, focused, and prepared. By understanding the truth about distracted driving, you can protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, don’t wait. Contact Murfreesboro Car Accident Lawyer today for a free consultation by calling (864) 335-9991. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
