Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you’ve likely seen some type of anti-texting-while-driving campaign, even where it has not yet been outlawed. While it’s obvious that taking your eyes off the road while driving can lead to collisions, it’s also human nature to multitask — tune the radio, drink coffee or read that “urgent” text message. After all, you’re just taking your eyes off the road for a split second, right? However, that split second can turn into two, three, five seconds, and suddenly you’ve driven several blocks with your eyes elsewhere and bam!
Distracted Taxiing a Factor in Ground Incidents and Runway Incursions
Key Takeaways:
- Distracted taxiing in aircraft poses significant safety risks, mirroring the dangers of distracted driving, and has been identified as a factor in a considerable percentage of taxiing incidents and runway safety events.
- Studies indicate that a high number of taxiing incidents involve pilot distraction, with experienced pilots often prone to multitasking during taxi operations (e.g., setting frequencies, performing rolling run-ups).
- Multitasking while taxiing dramatically increases the risk of striking other aircraft or objects, missing instructions, running off taxiways, and crossing active runways.
- Pilots are strongly advised to dedicate their full attention exclusively to the task of taxiing, completing all preparatory tasks and avoiding distractions only when the aircraft is safely stopped.
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