Distracted drivers are responsible for numerous traffic accidents each year, costing millions of dollars and leading to thousands of deaths nationwide. The proliferation of mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and PDAs have proven too tempting to resist for many motorists, prompting them to engage with the devices while on the road.
AAA recently conducted a survey to gauge the extent of distracted driving, specifically focusing on mobile phone usage while driving. The survey, carried out from June 6 to 28, polled American respondents aged 16 and above regarding their habits of answering calls, making calls, and sending or reading text messages behind the wheel.
The data revealed that most drivers in the United States recognize distracted driving as a significant issue. According to CBS New York, 88% of those surveyed asserted that talking on the phone while driving is hazardous. Moreover, 95% expressed concern about drivers who text or email behind the wheel, even surpassing the 93% who worry about drunken drivers. An overwhelming majority (87%) favor legislation banning activities such as reading, writing, or sending text messages and emails during driving, while half of the respondents also support laws prohibiting any form of cell phone use by drivers.
On the contrary, CBS New York highlighted that 68% of the respondents admitted to using a mobile device whilst driving in the past month. Of them, 68% claimed to only use the phone when stationary at an intersection, and were more likely to answer than initiate calls. About 35% of the surveyed drivers confessed to either reading or writing texts while driving, primarily at a stoplight, indicating a higher likelihood of reading than sending texts on the move.
However, electronic devices aren’t the sole cause of distraction. Eating, drinking, applying makeup, changing radio stations, smoking, or even conversing with passengers can all lead to dangerous distractions on the road.
A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that in 2009, nearly 20% of all injury-causing car accidents involved distracted driving. The report suggests close to 5,500 individuals died from motor vehicle accidents involving driver distraction, accounting for 16% of all traffic-related fatalities that year, as per the Sacramento Bee.
To ensure affordable auto insurance premiums, it’s crucial that drivers keep a clean record, free from accidents and traffic infractions. Even a single offense, whether a speeding ticket, reckless driving, DWI, or a citation for mobile phone usage during driving, can cause insurance premiums to spiral. For best rates, drivers can compare car insurance quotes online.
AAA’s website offers ten useful tips for maintaining focus while driving:
? Plan your journey in advance.
? Secure all electronic devices before driving.
? Get kids and pets ready for the ride.
? Refrain from eating or drinking while driving.
? Keep all belongings secure and out of sight.
? Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy.
? Dress appropriately before setting off.
? Keep your mind focused on driving.
? Reflect on your driving behaviour from a third-person perspective.
? Leverage new technology to enhance your driving skills.
