Right of Way: Behind the Wheel, Attention is Everything

A local columnist on why driving deserves the same focus we’d give any complex skill — and what the data says happens when it doesn’t.

By Steve Boyles, AARP-Certified Driving Instructor

Right of Way · July 13, 2026 · 4 min read

📧 Newsletter

Photo: Canva Stock

Today’s topic is distracted driving — and the statistics are sobering.

In 2024, there were 48,413 crashes in Oregon. Those crashes resulted in 536 deaths and 39,503 injuries. From 2019 to 2023, there were 28,332 crashes related to distracted driving, resulting in 221 fatalities, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

ODOT defines distracted driving as follows:

“Distraction occurs when a driver voluntarily diverts attention to something not related to driving that uses the driver’s eyes, ears, or hands. There are four types of driver distraction:

Visual — looking at something other than the road
Auditory — hearing something not related to driving
Manual — manipulating something other than the wheel
Cognitive — thinking about something other than driving
Most distractions involve more than one of these types, with both a sensory — eyes, ears, or touch — and a mental component.”

AARP defines driving as a complex skill. I like to golf, and learning to play and execute on the golf course takes intense concentration. Driving a vehicle should be no different. When we get behind the wheel, we may think we’re undertaking a relatively simple activity. In reality, all of our senses should be engaged and focused on this complex skill.

This is also true for freeway driving. We may feel insulated from danger inside our car, but in reality, we’re moving fast with less time to make decisions. We should be paying attention to our mirrors at all times, keeping a safe following distance, watching our speed, and staying out of others’ blind spots.

How often do we see people talking on cell phones, holding dogs on their laps, or trying to eat and drive at the same time? The list goes on, and it’s alarming.

Oregon’s law regarding handheld electronic devices, ORS 811.507, states:

“Oregon’s basic law, ORS 811.507, says it is illegal to drive while holding and using a mobile electronic device while driving (e.g. cell phone, tablet, GPS, laptop).

As of January 1, 2018, courts have the ability to waive the fine for first-time offenders who attend an approved Distracted Driving Avoidance course.

There are some exceptions, but for the most part, it’s best to just turn off your device when you are driving. Here are a few cases where the new law does not apply:

When using hands-free or built-in devices, if you are 18 years of age or older.
Use of a single touch or swipe to activate or deactivate the device.
When parked safely, i.e., stopped in a designated parking spot. It is not legal to use the device when stopped at a stop light, stop sign, or in traffic.
While providing or summoning medical help and no one else is available to make the call.
Tow truck or bus drivers following federal rules for CDL holders.
When using a two-way radio if you are a CB user, school bus driver, or utility truck driver acting within the scope of employment.
If you are a HAM radio operator age 18 or older.”

I can’t emphasize enough how critical it is to keep our minds on the driving task. Crashes can be devastating. They happen fast, and by paying attention at all times, we can make the difference between a serious crash and a safe outcome. Even when we’re following the letter of the law, research shows a measurable increase in inattention to the driving task when our brains are engaged in a phone conversation. AAA conducted an extensive study on distracted driving with notable findings:

“The research finds that as mental workload and distractions increase, reaction time slows, brain function is compromised, drivers scan the road less and miss visual cues, potentially resulting in drivers not seeing items right in front of them including stop signs and pedestrians.”

Please focus on the task of driving to keep yourself and others safe on our roads.

Steve Boyles is an AARP-certified driving instructor who offers classes both online and in person. In-person classes are held monthly in Newberg and McMinnville. To register, contact the Chehalem Senior Center at (503) 537-9404 or the McMinnville Senior Center at (503) 435-0407. Classes cost $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.