Distracted Driving Still On the Rise, Especially Among Teens
According to AAA, Americans drive the fewest miles during the winter months.
Once April rolls around and the sun shines a bit brighter, the mileage goes up as we shake off the winter doldrums.
More
miles behind the wheel also means there are more chances to become distracted.
And unfortunately, those distractions – like texting, talking, eating, adjusting
a radio, checking a map, applying makeup and many more – can have deadly
consequences.
As we enter April and Distracted Driving Awareness Month 2016, we note sadly
that the number of injuries and deaths from driving distracted continues to
rise, especially among teenagers.
Maybe the increase is due to our obsession
with mobile technology or our love affair with the car or just the increasingly
frantic pace of our lives (no one is quite sure).
But we do know this:
Distracted driving is a problem that is 100 percent preventable. Before you send
that next text message or order that double cheese burger to go, you should
know the dangers of distracted driving and what you can do to prevent
tragedy from striking in your life!
Cell Phones Not the Only Cause of Distracted Driving
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| Any and all of these behaviors can contribute to distracted driving. Click here to expand. |
Teens Most At Risk, But Often Learn Dangerous Behavior from Parents
Americans hate to waste time, even while driving. Whether via smart phones or the new hands-free systems standard in many vehicles today, we can talk with friends, family or business associates, search for the nearest gas station or pull up a review of that new restaurant. Most people also think they can do all this while driving and not cause a crash. But that’s where they’re wrong: An estimated
431,000 people were injured in distracted driving related motor vehicle accidents in 2014, up from 424,000 in 2013. The death toll was 3,179.
What exactly is distracted driving? Cell phones factor in many kinds of distractions, but there are plenty of other ways to lose focus while driving. The three types of distracted driving as identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are:
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road
- Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving
This
can include texting, talking on a phone, eating, grooming, reading, using a navigation system, adjusting music or reacting to the behavior of a passenger.
Texting while driving tops the list of dangerous distractions and has already been banned in
46 states. Research has shown that texting and driving is as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Texting is also the communication method of choice for most young people. Therefore it is not surprising, say many safety advocates, that drivers under 20 have the
highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes.
Parents can play an important role in teaching their teens about the dangers of distracted driving by setting a good example themselves, yet 48 percent of teens have seen their parents use a cell phone while driving. Fifteen percent have seen their parents texting while driving
[download report].
Watch For Other Distracted Drivers, Pedestrians
Even if you’re a good driver and try to stay focused on the road at all times, you have to be aware of others who might be distracted. Ninety percent of adults consider distracted driving unacceptable in other drivers, yet 35 percent of those same drivers
admit to driving distracted. Defensive, focused and cautious driving is your best bet to prevent an accident with a careless driver.
Another dangerous behavior on the rise is distracted walking. Even if a person is not behind a wheel, they can be at risk if walking while talking on a cell phone or listening to music through head phones. Among those 19 and under,
teens account for 50 percent of all pedestrian deaths. Older teens have accounted for a staggering 25 percent increase is pedestrian injuries in the past five years. Over
half of all adults have been involved in a distracted walking encounter.
Stop Distracted Driving Before It Stops You
Distracted driving accidents may be on the rise, but these incidents are 100 percent preventable. Here are some common-sense tips on how you can protect yourself and others:
- Visual distractions: Keep your eyes on the road, pull over to read directions and put your phone away.
- Manual distractions: Keep your phone out of reach, make all adjustments before driving and don’t reach for items while driving.
- Cognitive distractions: Avoid phone calls (even hands-free), stay focused on the road and keep your emotions in check.
Also consider visiting EndDD.org for a
safe driving agreement that you can print and share with your family. Together, we can keep our streets safe for pedestrians and drivers alike.
- See more at: http://letamericaknow.com/view_feature_ysk.php?memberid=22481&orderid=858&issueid=1604#sthash.sQhfwNsq.dpuf
http://letamericaknow.com/view_feature_ysk.php?memberid=22481&orderid=858&issueid=1604#
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