How Many Accidents Are Caused By Distracted Driving

How Many Accidents Are Caused By Distracted Driving – Distracted Driving Statistics in 2022 and Why They Matter Keeping your eyes on the road will protect you in the long run.

You invest in car insurance to protect your vehicle, but as soon as your eyes leave the road, you may be faced with a potentially deadly situation.

How Many Accidents Are Caused By Distracted Driving

To help you better understand the danger of distracted driving, we’ve compiled a list of distracted driving statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Insurance Information Institute, and others.

Connecticut Car Accident Statistics Update

We also provide tips on how to avoid getting distracted behind the wheel to stay safe on your next outing.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that could distract from the primary duty of driving.

This is quite broad. Some obvious examples of distractions include texting, eating or drinking, and fiddling with the radio. However, listening to loud music or using a hands-free phone still falls under the umbrella of distracted driving if it distracts you.

In fact, the National Safety Council says that “hands-free is not safe,” as studies show that mental distractions can still dangerously undermine a driver’s attention.

Truck Accidents Caused By Distracted Driving In New Jersey

Below we cover the different types of distraction as well as common behaviors that have led to fatal accidents.

Visual distractions include turning your head to talk to a passenger or watching the scene of an accident while driving (aka rubbernecking). Visual distractions tend to occur more when passengers or children are present. According to a study by American Baby, 64% of moms admit to turning around to tend to their children while driving.

Even though we live in a digital age with Bluetooth-compatible technology in our cars, auditory distractions like talking on the phone are still distracting. In fact, talking on the phone while behind the wheel increases the risk of injury and death. Drivers can remain distracted for 27 seconds after making a call, even if they’re using a hands-free device, according to the American Automobile Association’s Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Manual distractions include eating or drinking, texting, or using any kind of electronics. Texting and driving are responsible for thousands of accidents each year. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. according to the NHTSA, at 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

South Carolina Hands Free Act Soon To Tackle Distracted Driving

A prime example of cognitive distraction is when you are too tired to focus on the road or when you are overwhelmed by strong emotions. In 2019, NHTSA reported that there were 697 deaths in traffic crashes involving drowsy drivers, and drowsy deaths were 1.9 percent of all driving deaths.

Drivers exhibit distracted behaviors on an ongoing basis. Let’s paint a picture with some statistics and information.

Distracted driving is not a 21st century problem. In fact, even though the technology in cars is advancing year after year, people are still dangerously distracted. It makes sense—driving long distances can get stressful, boring, or tiring—but keeping your focus on the road is what keeps you alive.

Has the pandemic changed? Driving behaviors have fluctuated and evolved over the past two years. A mix of job losses and telecommuting has led to a drop in road travel.

How To Avoid Distracted Driving At Night

According to the GHSA, the increase in dangerous driving during the pandemic is likely caused by speeding, drunk driving and distractions.¹¹ The GHSA also claims that the pandemic has increased the number of pedestrian deaths by 21% due to an increase in travelers on foot.11

Empty roads during the pandemic have allowed people to drive faster than usual. Stress levels and increased drinking habits have also fueled distracted driving behaviors.

Distracted driving statistics show a widespread problem across the country. Here are some distracted driving statistics, by state.

Distracted driving carries many risks, including loss of life. Let’s break down some of the latest distraction mortality statistics (buck up, this isn’t fun).

Teens And Distracted Driving

Since distracted driving is such a huge problem, you might think that there are dozens of laws that prohibit dangerous behavior behind the wheel. But despite this being a pressing public safety issue, there aren’t that many distracted driving laws.

State, federal and even local lawmakers continue to look into distracted driving issues and have found that cell phones and other electronic devices are the most worrisome distraction.

However, since 2009, there is a federal law that prohibits federal employees from texting and driving while using a government commercial vehicle or while using government equipment and operating a motor vehicle.

There is also a federal FMCSA distracted driving law that prohibits drivers of commercial motor vehicles from making a call or pressing more than one button on a mobile device. However, commercial drivers are allowed to use a hands-free phone.

Consequences Of Using Your Cell Phone While Driving In New York

Montana is the only state that does not ban texting while driving, while Missouri has a statewide ban on texting while driving for drivers under 21.

Almost half of the states have laws that prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones by people behind the wheel.

Here are the 24 states that ban cell phones: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Washington (not technically a state, we know), Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia.

If you’re the type of driver who gives in to distractions, you’re more likely to get into an accident. These drivers are more likely to cause serious injury or even death.

Distracted Driving Facts

There are criminal consequences for being distracted. If a driver is caught using their phone while behind the wheel, they can face some hefty fines. Alaska and Utah have first-offense fines of more than $700, and California and New York have fines of more than $100.

Some other consequences of distracted driving include higher insurance rates and revocation of driving privileges. People with traffic citations and accumulated points on their driving records may face increased premiums. Drivers with too many points on their record may face suspension or revocation of their license.

While the above distracted driving statistics can be impressive, the following tips are here to make sure you don’t become a statistic yourself. Here are some proactive ideas to reduce distractions when you’re behind the wheel.

The first rule of thumb when driving is to make sure you and all passengers are wearing their seat belts. Check to see that your kids, pets and passengers are properly secured for their safety and to prevent distracted driving (this way mom or dad won’t have to turn around to make sure a 6-year-old child is bent correctly).

Distracted Driving Leading Cause Of Fatal Car Accidents

When you’re behind the wheel, put your phone away. And remember: Talking on your Bluetooth hands-free phone is just as much of a security risk. In fact, phone use can affect your insurance score with insurance companies like . And major automakers like Lexus and Tesla now have apps that track your speed, turns, braking, and even your phone usage and provide a rating.

“The more the merrier” does not apply when it comes to the number of passengers in your car. According to the AAA Foundation, teenagers between the ages of 16 and 17 double their risk of distracted driving when they carry more than two passengers in their car.

Every time you look for food, drink or a cigarette, your focus changes. While a snack or quick sip during a long road trip is fine in some situations, enjoying a burger or hot coffee isn’t the best thing to do when you’re in the hot seat. However, using a straw can help reduce fussing with lids or worrying about leaks. Make sure your items are easy to grab before you leave or pull over if something spills.

In many contexts, the ability to multitask is a benefit. But when you drive: Cut it! Operating a moving vehicle requires a lot of focus and skill. When you start adding other tasks while driving, your mind gets distracted. Try to stick to the task at hand, which is simple: Drive from point A to point B safely.

Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Before you start your next adventure, make sure you’ve entered your GPS settings. Going with Waze or Google Maps while commuting is a recipe for disaster.

The most important tip to prevent distraction is to focus on the road and nothing else. Texting, reading, and putting on makeup are all distracting tasks that you shouldn’t do while behind the wheel. Yes, we get it – you’re in a hurry. But that’s no excuse to risk your life.

Use the SMART method to stay safe, which means stay focused, make preparations, avoid all other activities, rely on passengers and text or talk later. Letting your mind wander can lead to crashes. Keep your eye on the prize if you want to reach your destination in one piece.

Distracted driving affects insurance by increasing a driver’s auto insurance premium. People who are frequently involved in accidents can expect to pay more for their car insurance.

Shocking Distracted Driving Statistics

Your driving habits can greatly affect your car insurance rates with location-based technology.

Accidents caused by distracted driving, distracted driving car accidents, number of accidents caused by distracted driving, distracted driving accidents stories, distracted driving accidents statistics, how many car accidents are caused by drunk driving, how many crashes are caused by distracted driving, percentage of accidents caused by distracted driving, distracted driving accidents, what percentage of accidents are caused by distracted driving, distracted driving is caused by, how many accidents are caused by texting and driving