The more technology we have around us, the more they capture the attention of drivers and cause distracted driving. Cell phones, better infotainment systems, navigation etc. have made travelling more convenient but they can be quite distracting for drivers.

At least 90% of all auto accidents on U.S. roads include some kind of human error. And when we add the fact that the attention of drivers’ is diverted, those figures can be even higher. Daydreaming or multitasking while driving can have serious and even deadly consequences!

The majority of drivers are well aware of the dangers of distracted driving. But even though, there are around 400,000 injuries and nearly 3,000 deaths on U.S. roadways in 2018. Those that were in a car accident caused by distracted driving, should contact our auto accident attorney to seek legal help and learn about their rights.

Distracted driving is a huge U.S. roadways problem, because taking your eyes off the road even for a few seconds can cause an auto accident. It’s hard to prove that distracted driving is the cause of the accident, because many of the collisions go underreported.

• In 2017 over 480,000 drivers we handling cell phones while driving
• If you take your eyes off the road for just two seconds, you double the risk of getting into an auto accident
• Distracted driving causes 87% of rear-end collisions
• More and more people believe that distracted driving is on the rise
• Setting up your navigation can take you 40 seconds – that’s 40 seconds not paying attention on the road

Distracted driving causes thousands of deaths in the U.S. each year. Distracted drivers not only endanger their own lives, but also the lives of other drivers, passengers and nearby pedestrians.

• On average, distracted driving kills 3,000 people every year in the U.S.
• Every day, 9 people die from distracted driving
• In 2018, 8% of all fatal auto accidents were reported as distracted driving related

The most recent and “fresh” drivers are the ones who are most prone to distractions. More than half of teen traffic accidents is due to distractions while driving.

• Teenage drivers are most likely to involved in fatal car accidents caused by distracted driving
• 39% of teens text or email while driving at least once a month
• Cellphone use is the highest among drivers age 16 to 24

Thanks to modern day technology, travelling has become more convenient but not exactly safer. Navigation, loud music, sending and reading text messages can all be distractions while driving. They can take your attention off the road and away from vehicle operation.

• Driving and texting is 600% more dangerous than driving while being intoxicated
• 86% of people say that they feel unsafe when the driver is texting
• Sending or reading a text message causes you to take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds

Since texting while driving is more dangerous than drunk driving, nearly every U.S. state has laws that prohibit it.

• 48 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands have banned texting while driving
• Montana is currently the only U.S. state that has no texting or cell phone laws

How to avoid distracted driving

Distractions are sometimes out of our control, but our response to it can make all the difference. Here are some useful tips on how to eliminate distractions while driving:

Leave your phone out of reach – Ignoring the urge to respond to a text or call is sometimes hard. If you can resist the urge, leave your phone out of reach. This way you will avoid the temptation. For example, you can leave your phone the glovebox.

Leave the texting to someone else – If you’re not travelling alone, you can leave the texting to another person. This will ensure that you’re driving without any distractions. The other person can reply to text messages and navigate you.

Don’t turn up the speaker volume – Loud music can also be a cognitive distraction. It’s nice to listen to loud music while driving, but that pulls away your focus from the road. The speaker volume should be set at a level that will allow you to hear the music and the traffic around you e.g. car horn, ambulance etc.

Be a good example – If you’re travelling with children or teenagers, make sure that you provide a good example on how to safely drive. Teach your children about good driving habits, don’t text and focus on the road.

The majority of crashes caused by distracted driving can be avoided. IF you get involved in an auto accident where there is a distracted driving factor, consider contacting our experienced auto accident attorneys to learn more about your rights.