Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons for auto accidents and personal injuries in the United States. Of all crash fatalities, 16% are caused by distraction, while another 32% are from drunk driving, 31% from speeding, and 11% from weather conditions. As we increasingly depend on our cell phones for everything from navigation to music selection in our cars, it’s more important than ever to practice smart driving with our smartphones.
Here are some facts and tips about distracted driving from our vehicle accident attorneys to help you stay safe on the roads.
Distracted Driving Statistics
- Young drivers ages 15 to 19 are the most likely to be involved in distraction-related crashes. Some 10% of people in this age group killed in crashes were distracted at the time of the accident.
- Texting while driving is one of the leading causes of distraction accidents. Your eyes are off the road for an average of five seconds when you check your phone; that’s enough time to cover the distance of an entire football field at 55 MPH.
- Most teenagers (94%) say that they’re aware of the dangers of texting and driving. Yet 35% admit to doing it anyway.
Distracted Driving Prevention Tips
- Set yourself up before you start driving. If you’re using a phone as a GPS, enter the navigation route and store it in a secure place before you leave. Store items in a place where they won’t fall or roll around during your trip.
- Turn your phone to silent, or turn it off completely. An incoming notification may tempt you to reach for your phone, but whatever it is, chances are it can wait.
- Let other passengers do the work for you. If you have someone else in the car, ask them to handle the directions, communications, or song choices. It keeps your hands free to focus on driving safely for the both of you.
Smart driving habits help make the roads safer for all. If you do find yourself the victim of a distraction-related accident that’s not your fault, don’t hesitate to contact a vehicle accident attorney to help you with your claim. The more we do to keep distracted drivers off the road, the better we can prevent serious accidents from taking place.
Sources:
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Distraction.gov
