Distracted Driving Statistics That Will Shock You
A distracted driver is categorized as a driver that engages in a non-driving-related activity behind the wheel. Distracted driving statistics cover three types: cognitive, visual, or manual, and either of these types could result in near accidents, injuries, or even death. All drivers need to stay focused so they don’t add to these shocking distracted driving statistics.
These 7 Distracted Driving Statistics Will Keep You Focused
Distracted driving isn’t taken seriously by many Americans, as most drivers feel they are capable of multitasking successfully. That falsehood leads to severe consequences.
1. Texting While Driving is 6 Times More Deadly Than Drinking and Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given us another reason why you should never text and drive. Whereas most Americans understand the consequences of drinking and driving, many teens and adults don’t see a problem with texting because you “still have full control over the vehicle.” Not quite. A texting driver will take their eyes off the road for at least 5 seconds, which is the equivalent of navigating the length of a football field blindfolded.
2. However, Every Year, Drunk Driving Leads to 10,000 traffic Fatalities
Just because texting while driving is deadlier than drunk driving, it doesn’t mean you should drink and operate a vehicle. Tragically, The Zebra found that an easy to avoid impaired driving act kills thousands of people per year, but it’s usually the victim of the accident, not the driver, that dies as a result of their actions. Never drink and drive. Call a cab, a friend, or walk home.
3. Distracted Drivers Cause 2.5 Million Car Crashes Every Year
Smith System and TeenSafe found that out of those 2.5 million car crashes, 365 thousand are injured (that’s 1000 a day), and 3,285 are killed (9 a day). If you’re constantly looking at your phone or zoning out while driving, it’s highly likely that you’ll get in an accident. Victims of distracted or drunk drivers may hire a personal injury lawyer to help them get compensated for their injuries and damages.
4. It Takes 3 Second for a Car Crash to Occur and 13 Seconds to Refocus
Again, TeenSafe and Smith System concluded that looking at your cell phone or another distracting object, your brain requires 13 extra seconds to regain focus back to the road. However, in the 5 seconds it takes for a driver to look away coupled with the 13 seconds it takes to refocus, you could already be in an accident, which could happen in 3 seconds.
5. Parents With Children in Their Car Are More Likely to be Distracted
It’s difficult to parent while driving, but doing so can be fatal. In a study done by The Zebra, parents with kids have an 87% chance of being distracted, while parents without children in the car have a 74% chance. If a parent reaches for an object, they are 8 times more likely to crash.
6. Teenagers are the Most at Risk for Car Accidents and Deaths
A minor aged 16-19 is three times more likely to suffer a fatal car crash in which 21% of these crashes were caused by cell phones (Boomers are the highest crash risk for cell phones). Teens are more likely to die due to car accidents than anything else, and the likelihood of crashing increases further with an additional passenger. While learning to drive, limit all distractions. If you’re a victim of drunk driving, then consult an OVI Lawyer.
7. Distracted Driving Tickets Raise Insurance Rates Significantly
Most US drivers are required to pay for car insurance, but a distracted driving ticket could make it difficult for teens and adults to pay their premiums. The Zebra found that a ticket could raise a driver’s premiums by $300 per year, and in some states, even increase premiums from $87 to $762 a year. A single violation could force many drivers to take the bus to work. If you need help disputing a traffic violation, you may hire an experienced traffic attorney.