How many accidents are caused by distracted driving
There are so many drivers on the road – there are things flashing, ringing or chatting around – so it’s important to drive carefully and distractedly. Take your eyes off the road for two seconds, and the driver’s risk of an accident will double.
Distracted driving affects everyone
According to the latest research of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3142 people will die in accidents involving distracted drivers in 2020.
Distracted driving involves any activity that may cause the driver to remove his eyes, hands or mind from the road and endanger himself and others. Sending text messages, using mobile phones, using the navigation system and eating while driving are just a few examples.
The vast majority of respondents have accepted the survey of traffic safety culture index, which is conducted annually by AAA Traffic Safety Foundation to determine that drivers’ attitudes and behaviors, perceptual reading (95%) and typing text/email (96%) are very or extremely dangerous. Worries about these distracted driving behaviors are in the case of drowsiness, drunkenness or driving obstacles.
Should I text/chat during the driving ban?
Most states have a law that prohibits drivers from using mobile devices in whole or in part while driving. Some states are stricter than others. Most drivers agree with these restrictions, and more than 80% support the law prohibiting holding and talking in the back of the car. However, in the traffic safety culture index survey, only 46% of drivers support the law prohibiting reading, typing or sending text messages or email while driving.
Attitude and behavior
Although a large number of drivers reported perceived danger, arrest risk and personal/social disapproval of using mobile phones behind the car, and supported distracted driving laws related to handheld devices, many drivers still did not practice their ideas.
About 23% of drivers admitted driving while typing or sending SMS/email at least once in the past month. 37% said they were on the phone, and 34% admitted to reading handheld devices while driving.
In car technology distracts attention
In another survey conducted jointly with researchers from the University of Utah, AAA evaluated the automotive technology of 40 2017 and 2018 models. The focus of the survey was on the different components of technology and the time required for drivers to complete multiple tasks. It also focuses on the cognitive and psychological needs of these technologies.
Drivers are required to use voice commands, touch screens and other technologies to call, send text and program audio entertainment or navigation while driving.
Research shows that although the built-in car infotainment system and Internet connected car applications such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can help reduce distracted driving activities, they can still let drivers’ eyes leave the road for a long time, especially older drivers.
On average, when performing simple tasks (such as programming navigation or tuning the radio using in car infotainment technology), older drivers (55-75 years old) take more than 8 seconds to remove their eyes and attention from the road than younger drivers (21-36 years old).
Tips for preventing distracted driving
Although most distractions can be avoided, some distractions cannot be completely prevented – on the contrary, they must be managed. Driving requires your undivided attention. You can be responsible for eliminating interference and focusing on the road ahead.
1. As a general rule, if you cannot devote your full attention to driving because of some other activity, it’s a distraction. Take care of it before or after your trip, not while behind the wheel.
2. If another activity demands your attention, instead of trying to attempt it while driving, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place. To avoid temptation, power down or stow devices before heading out.
3. If you have passengers, please ask for their help so that you can focus on driving safely.
4. Put down the electronic interference. Do not use mobile phones – hand-held or hands-free – while driving unless in an absolute emergency. When driving, do not use SMS, email, video games or the Internet with wireless devices, including devices built into the car.
5. Protect children and pets before departure. If they need your attention, please park your car safely to take care of them. Inserting the rear seat will cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
6. Snack. If possible, eat or snack before or after the trip, not while driving. On the way, avoid eating dirty food that is difficult to manage.
7. Finish dressing and personal grooming at home – before going on the road.
8. Make adjustments before departure. Before going on the road, deal with vehicle systems such as GPS, seats, rear-view mirrors, climate control and audio systems. Decide your route and check the traffic in advance.
9. Store loose equipment, objects and other distractions that may roll over in the car, so you don’t want to take them on the floor or seat.
10. Concentrate on driving. Don’t let anything distract you. Actively scan the road, use mirrors, and pay attention to pedestrians and cyclists.