Distracted driving is a recurring problem in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Many motorists think it’s harmless to sneak a quick glance at their phones, but these facts and statistics show that it’s dangerous.
How serious is distracted driving?
In 2019, distracted driving accounted for 7% of all car accident deaths. This amounted to over 3,100 people killed, a 10% increase from the previous year. Another 424,000 people were injured in serious car accidents stemming from distracted driving in that year. Around one out of five people who died in such crashes in 2019 were not even in vehicles: they were pedestrians, bicyclists or standing outside of a vehicle.
What are the different types of distractions while driving?
People who get behind the wheel can have different types of distractions. A simple action like text messaging is considered one of the deadliest habits because it involves all three distraction types. Visual distraction sees the driver’s eyes being off the road. Manual means their hands leave the steering wheel. Cognitive distraction occurs when the driver’s mind is elsewhere instead of on their driving.
Who is the most prone to driving while distracted?
Teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 20 are most prone to distracted driving than people in other age groups. In 2019, more young people of this age range were involved in fatal crashes while distracted. A survey from 2019 found that 39% of high school students admitted to texting or emailing while driving. Many of those young drivers also admitted to other dangerous behaviors such as not wearing a seatbelt and drinking while driving.
Accidents caused by distracted driving can be devastating and change or even end lives.
