Distracted driving has become one of the major causes of road accidents in different regions of the world. As mobile phones, infotainment systems, and other distractions are introduced to drivers, the dangers of an accident have grown significantly in recent years. Distracted driving has become an epidemic, as indicated in recent studies and reports. It is a contributing culprit to a large number of crashes annually, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and devastating overall effects to the victims.
In this article, we will see the stats and common causes behind what is distracted driving.
Car Accident Statistics Behind Distracted Driving
In the US alone, distracted driving has led to thousands of car crashes and the loss of lives. According to the National Safety Council (NSC) in 2022, over 3,100 persons lost their lives due to a car accident caused by an irresponsible driver. Almost 400,000 individuals were injured due to inattention, which indicates the severity of the issue.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is the leading cause of crashes, as it is surpassing impaired driving in certain instances. To get an idea of how terrible this is, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute demonstrated that the likelihood of a collision can increase by 3.6 times when a driver uses an electronic device in the process of driving.
Distracted Driving Statistics
The table below presents the disaggregation of the most important statistics of distracted driving and its outcomes:
|
Statistic |
Data |
|
Annual Car Crashes due to Distracted Driving |
1.6 million crashes annually (National Safety Council) |
|
Deaths from Distracted Driving (2019) |
3,100 deaths in the U.S. (National Safety Council) |
|
Injuries from Distracted Driving (2018) |
400,000 injuries (National Safety Council) |
|
Increased Risk of Collision when Using Devices |
3.6 times higher (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute) |
|
Teen Drivers Texting and Driving |
35% of teen drivers admit to texting while driving (Think Insure) |
|
Percentage of Canadians Using Phones While Driving |
47% (CAA Polling, 2021) |
What Are the Types of Distractions While Driving?
Distracted driving refers to doing something other than driving that you are doing when driving. Distractions are most likely to include:
- Visual distractions.
These distractions occur when you look off the road. You are thinking about what you are doing, texting, reading a phone, or even reading a GPS when you do that instead of the roadway.
- Manual Distractions
This occurs when hands leave the steering wheel. Drivers lose focus from eating, adjusting to the radio, or any other object inside the car.
- Cognitive Distractions
This kind of distraction occurs when the mind is not attentive to the road. These include daydreaming or having in-depth discussions with passengers.
The Effects of Texting While Driving
One of the greatest hazards of distractions that come with driving is texting on phones. In research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting causes a driver to take their eyes off the road for approximately five seconds. It makes it more likely that a person will miss the essential road signs and will not respond to sharp changes in road traffic.
Distracted Driving makes Drivers Respond Slowly
When the driver is texting, on a phone call, or engaging in any other activities that distract them, chances are that he or she may fail to notice red lights, objects on the road, or when the car in front of them stops suddenly. Conversing with other occupants in the vehicle may also impede making choices as well and the driver may make a mistake.
Effective Measures to Prevent Distracted Driving
Governments, police, and organizations take effective steps to minimize distractions in driving. A lot of states in the US have already implemented laws against texting and driving, as well as the use of handheld devices while driving. These laws are accompanied by penalties which include a fine, suspension of the license, and even jail to discourage a driver from taking such risks.
Besides the legal means, other creative initiatives have been established through non-profit organizations such as the National Safety Council to spread awareness information among motorists on the hazards posed by distracted driving.
Conclusion
The concern of distracted driving is a serious matter and poses a threat to the lives on the road. The number of deaths and injuries that occur on their way to the destination continues to rise as thousands die and hundreds of thousands are injured every year. It is important to be on guard. Pay attention to what you are doing on the road and shun distractions. Moreover, you can refer to vehicleaccidentinjury.com to know more about safety and distracted driving.
