Distracted driving is one of the most important safety issues on the roads today. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), over 3000 people died in 2015 alone as a direct result of distracted driving in the United States. In the age of smartphones, it seems as if someone or something is always vying for our attention. Nowhere is this potentially more dangerous than with distracted driving, but we can all play our part in reducing the damage.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is engaging in any activity that diverts attention away from the act of driving a vehicle. Some of the most common distractions include texting, trying to find the perfect station on the radio, eating and drinking, or operating a personal navigation system. While these actions may seem harmless enough in the moment, the truth of the matter is that distracted driving can have potentially fatal results.
The Numbers Behind Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of death amongst young adult and teen drivers, as well as one of the leading cause in motor vehicle-related accidents. According to the most recent data from 2015, over 250 people per month are killed as a direct result of distracted driving, while nearly 400,000 people per year are injured. The Center for Disease and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System found that people who engage in distracted driving are also more likely to take part in other potentially fatal behavior, including not wearing a seatbelt, getting into a car with a drunk driver, or even drinking and driving themselves.
All of this adds up to some very disturbing results, but loss of life due to distracted driving is preventable.
How to Stop Distracted Driving
Is it possible to reduce the harmful and even deadly effects of distracted driving? Here are some helpful tips about how to help stop distracted driving:
- Lead by example. When you are in the car with your kids or friends, demonstrate your ability to be an exemplary driver. Make sure to keep your hands off the phone, and your eyes on the road.
- Speak up. If you are in the car with someone who is on the phone, or becoming distracted with the radio, ask them politely to stop, or offer to help with the distracting task.
- Educate others. Share the statistics and risks surrounding distracted driving, and perhaps you’ll discourage dangerous behavior.
