Distracted driving has become a major safety concern on the road, with countless accidents happening each day due to a lack of focus behind the wheel. Whether it’s texting, eating, or adjusting your music, these distractions take our attention away from driving and can have serious consequences.
Statistics
In the case of distracted driving, statistics help quantify the problem, making it clear how widespread and dangerous it is. Statistics for distracted driving include:
- In 2022, 11% of all motor vehicle crashes were reported as distraction-affected
- In 2022, 3,308 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers
- An estimated 289,310 people were injured in 2022 in crashes involving distracted drivers
- Drivers of all ages are distracted, but drivers between the ages 15-20 are most likely to be distracted
- And, cell phones are the biggest distraction, with texting, taking photos, and using apps being the most common activities
Distracted Driving Activities
Distracted driving occurs any time you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off the primary task of driving. There are many types of distractions, including:
- Mobile devices (texting, phone calls, switching apps, etc.)
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming (brushing hair, applying makeup, etc.)
- Reading maps or navigation systems
- And, adjusting the radio
At 45 miles per hour, a driver glancing away from the road for 5 seconds, is driving blind for 132 feet. Looking away from the road or reaching to pick something off the floor, can have immediate, deadly consequences.
Driving Safety
When you’re behind the wheel, your sole focus should be on driving. However, even if you’re staying alert, other drivers around you may not be as focused. So, how can we all ensure safer driving for ourselves and others on the road? For yourself, consider practicing and following safe driving tips, including:
- Put your phone away
- Avoid eating or grooming while driving, even at stop lights
- Avoid arguments or stressful conversations with passengers
- Get enough sleep and stay hydrated
- Plan your drive ahead of time; make sure you know where you are going to reduce looking at maps or a GPS
- And, keep both hands on the wheel
If you’re on the road and notice a distracted driver, call 3-1-1, a non-emergency phone number where you can report distracted driving. Distracted driving may be identified by:
- Inconsistent speed: Braking erratically or frequently, accelerating with no reason, driving under the speed limit, etc.
- Delayed reaction time: Distracted drivers may not brake or change lanes quickly enough
- Drifting: Drifting in or out of their lane; common sign of distracted drivers
- And, visible distractions: Looking down at their phones, eating, or messing with dashboard controls
Resources
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides additional information on Distracted Driving.
JJ Safety provides safety meetings, online safety training, and safety training kits for driving safety topics.
Conclusion
Distracted driving is a serious threat to road safety, and it’s up to each of us to stay focused and avoid distractions while behind the wheel. By making a conscious effort to put away phones, avoid multitasking, and remain aware of our surroundings, we can significantly reduce the risks and protect ourselves, our passengers, and others on the road.