Accidents due to distracted drivers using smart phones are becoming increasingly problematic, throughout the United States. There are a variety of things that can lead to driver distraction and that often has tragic results.
Cell phone distraction
According to the Center For Disease Control or CDC, more than 8 people die and 1,161 are hurt due to distracted drivers. The following is an overview of distracted driving and cell phone use statistics and what you should know to stay safe.
Types Of Distraction
When we get in our cars, our primary concern should be operating our vehicles safely. Unfortunately, many people forget this and drive while doing other things. The most common types of driver distraction that lead to accidents involving vehicles, motorcycles, large trucks, bicycles and pedestrians are:
- Texting On A Cell Phone
- Eating
- Grooming Such As Hair Brushing
- Reading Maps Or GPS Navigation
- Talking On A Cell Phone
- Adjusting The CD Player Or Radio In The Car
- Applying Makeup
- Talking To Vehicle Occupants
- Watching Videos On A Cell Phone
Driving And Cell Phone Use
Texting and driving is the most dangerous type of distracted driving. Because it requires manual, cognitive and visual ability and attention it poses the biggest threat. The CDC states that drivers going 55 MPH while they are texting, take their eyes off the road long enough to travel the entire distance of a football field. Some interesting cell phone use and driving statistics are:
- Drivers Younger Than 20 Have The Highest Rate Of Fatal Distracted Driving Crashes
- 38 Percent Of All Distracted Drivers Had Been Using A Cell Phone At The Time Of The Crash
- 53 Percent Of All Adults Who Own Cell Phones Have Had A Distracted Incident While Walking
Prevention
Many states in the U.S. have made it against the law to talk on a cell phone or text and drive. Those who hold a commercial drivers license or CDL, will face serious consequences if they are caught using a cell phone while operating a large commercial vehicle or carrying hazardous materials.
Distracted driving is reaching epidemic proportions in the U.S. If you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of a distracted driver, it may benefit you to speak with a personal injury attorney for advice.
Texting while driving is a dangerous behavior that can lead to accidents and has been a significant concern for road safety.
- Increased Risk: Texting while driving significantly increases the risk of accidents. It takes a driver’s attention away from the road, leading to delayed reaction times and impaired decision-making.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, which includes activities like texting and talking on the phone, is a leading cause of accidents. In some places, it has surpassed drunk driving as a leading cause of accidents.
- Statistics: Specific statistics can vary by location and year, but a few common figures are often cited:
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States reported that in 2019, distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives.
- According to the National Safety Council, cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year in the United States.
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has noted that states with texting bans have seen a 4% reduction in crash-related hospitalizations.
- Young Drivers: Young drivers, particularly teenagers, are more likely to be involved in accidents related to texting and driving. They often have the highest rates of texting while driving.
- Legal Penalties: Many places have implemented laws and penalties for using a cell phone while driving, especially for texting. These penalties can include fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment in cases of severe accidents.
- Public Awareness: There have been numerous public awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of texting while driving. Organizations and government agencies often work to inform the public about these risks.
Road safety is a critical issue, and it’s essential for individuals to prioritize safe driving practices and avoid distractions like texting when behind the wheel.
- “9-Number of Americans killed every day from motor vehicle accidents that involved distracted driving, such as using a cellphone, texting or eating.
- 1 in 4 The probability that a motor vehicle crash involved a cellphone.
- 40% The percentage of teens who say they have been a passenger in a car whose driver used a cellphone in a way that put them in danger.
- 33% The percentage of U.S. drivers ages 18 to 64 who reported reading or writing text messages while driving in the previous month. In comparison, only 15 percent of drivers from Spain reported texting while driving in the same period. 341,000 Number of motor vehicle crashes in 2013 that involved texting.
- 4X How much using a cellphone while driving increases the risk of a crash. Huffington post