April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Sponsored by the National Safety Council (NSC), it seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and calls on drivers to make safe driving practices a priority.

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The dangers are many. In 2024, distracted driving caused approximately 3,000 deaths and more than 400,000 injuries nationwide, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

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When you hear the phrase “distracted driving,” texting immediately comes to mind. But distracted driving is so much more.

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There are three main types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive.

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1. Visual distractions refer to any distractions resulting in taking your eyes off the road, even for a second. Checking your GPS, changing the radio station, or looking at a passenger while conversing – all are examples of visual distraction.
2. Manual distractions are those involving taking your hands off the steering wheel. Similar to visual distractions, these include messing with your radio or climate control and petting your dog, as well as eating and drinking, applying makeup, and talking on the phone.
3. Cognitive distractions center on diverting your attention from the road ahead. It could be because you are sleepy, are daydreaming, or replaying an argument you had last night.
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For professional drivers working in refrigerated freight in Iowa, or those managing dry van freight across the Midwest, distraction can severely impact delivery schedules, safety records, and the public perception of the industry. At HFC Transport, a leading Sidney, Iowa trucking company, we understand the high stakes of operating large commercial vehicles.

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Operating a semi-truck requires skill, attention, and focus. The truck’s weight and size increase the risk—more time and more distance to stop, and greater difficulty in maneuvering. The seriousness of distracted driving for those in the logistics industry in Iowa cannot be overstated.

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According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 80% of crashes, the driver’s attention is diverted for just three seconds.

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· Just three seconds of checking your phone, and your tire catches the edge of the curving road.
· Just three seconds to adjust your air conditioning, and you’re surprised by the deer that runs into the road.
· Just three seconds to look for the French fry at the bottom of your bag, and you look up to see the cars in front of you slam on their brakes.

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You’ve just risked becoming one of the 11,000 crashes each year that are the result of distracted driving.

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HFC – A Safety-First Culture

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At HFC Transport, we believe that being one of the best trucking companies in Iowa means more than just on-time deliveries—it means making road safety a top priority. We’re proud to foster a safety-first culture within the reliable logistics sector.

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We educate drivers in the latest technologies and safety protocols with ongoing training. We outfit trucks with in-cab technology that discourages phone use. And we offer employees regular safety briefings and updates so they can stay current—and safe.

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Why the stress on safety? Because we are family, and we want all of our drivers to get home safely to their families.

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Quick Safety Tips for Drivers in Logistics

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In addition to using state-of-the-art technologies and ongoing education, here are some quick, actionable tips for drivers moving freight across the lower 48 stand beyond:

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1. Set GPS and playlists before departure.
2. Use hands-free devices, if necessary.
3. Pull over to eat or take calls.
4. Don’t multi-task; even mental distractions can be dangerous.
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Road safety affects all of us. Whether you’re hauling freight through the plains of Iowa or driving a family sedan across town, the dangers of distracted driving are real and widespread. But we can tackle this problem together, as a team.

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Let’s take the spirit of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month into the rest of the year—so everyone, from truckers to commuters, can arrive at their destination safely.

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