Modern smartwatches do more than tell time— they are powerful tools that allow wearers to see and send messages, browse the headlines, and take phone calls—all from their wrist. However, when used while behind the wheel, these devices also introduce a serious driving distraction. For commercial drivers who operate larger vehicles that demand full attention and control, even a moment of distraction can have devastating consequences.
How Smartwatches Contribute to Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is pulled away from the road, reducing their ability to react to hazards. For commercial drivers, distraction is even more dangerous due to the size and stopping distance of their vehicles.
Distractions fall into three main categories:
Visual: Taking your eyes off the road.
Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel.
Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving.
Smartwatches contribute to all three types of distractions, increasing the risk of a motor vehicle accident:
Visual: A smartwatch requires a driver to lift their wrist and shift their eyes off the road to read what is on the screen. In addition, the small size of the display often demands prolonged glances, increasing the risk of distraction and delayed reaction times.
Manual: While it may seem as if a smartwatch is a "hands-free" device, interacting with it typically involves tapping, scrolling, or pressing buttons. These actions take at least one hand off the steering wheel, compromising the driver's control over the vehicle. For commercial drivers, whose vehicles may be more challenging to maneuver, this distraction can have severe implications, especially in tight or congested areas.
Cognitive: When notifications are received, smartwatches will light up, chime, or vibrate, triggering an impulse for the user to check their wrist. Even if a driver resists the urge to look at their smartwatch, the mental distraction of wondering who messaged or what alert just appeared can impact focus and reaction times. Voice-activated smartwatches—designed for hands-free interaction—may still pull a driver’s focus away from the road, leading to critical lapses in attention and delayed responses.
Smart Driving Habits for Commercial Drivers
To minimize risks, commercial drivers should adopt these best practices:
Disable or limit smartwatch notifications. Silence notifications or enable the "Do Not Disturb" mode before starting a trip.
Refrain from using your smartwatch for navigation while driving. Instead, opt for a securely mounted GPS device designed for commercial motor vehicles.
Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Avoid using smartwatches while driving, even for quick glances.
Pull over in a safe, legal location to check your smartwatch or make any phone calls. Remember that even hands-free calling can be distracting.
Treat your smartwatch like a phone. Federal regulations prohibit commercial drivers from using handheld mobile devices while driving, with violations leading to fines, disqualification, and negative impacts on Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores. While smartwatches are not explicitly mentioned in federal rules, they pose similar risks and may be considered a violation under distracted driving laws in many jurisdictions. In fact, recent research conducted at HEC Montreal Tech3Lab in Quebec found that smartwatches are more distracting than mobile phones, further underscoring the dangers of using these devices while operating a commercial vehicle.
Stay Focused, Stay Safe
Smartwatches may keep you connected, but when you are behind the wheel, they can disconnect you from what matters most—driving safely. Even a quick glance or tap can lead to an accident. Do not let a small screen create big risks. Silence your smartwatch and make safety your priority. Because at the end of the day, no notification is worth risking your life or others on the road.
