Technology & Distracted Driving
Are you a distracted driver? Distracted driving is an epidemic in the United States. As technology advances and we become increasingly reliant on smart phones, distracted driving is at a level never before seen. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 8% of fatal crashes were attributed to distracted driving in 2021.
Travelers Risk Index shows that 77% of drivers make or take calls while driving, and 31% of drivers say they’ve had a near miss crash because of distracted driving. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that distracted driving is responsible for more than 58% of teen crashes. The US Department of Transportation recorded 3,522 people were killed by distracted driving in 2021. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that 9 people die every day from distracted driving. With these statistics being only the tip of the iceberg, it’s clear that distracted driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road today.
The CDC has identified three kinds of distracted driving:
Visual distractions that take your eyes off the road, like GPS, billboards, rubbernecking, and checking out the scenery.
Manual distractions that cause you to remove your hand from the wheel, like eating, using your phone, changing the music, or reaching for something.
Cognitive distractions that take your mind off driving like talking on the phone, daydreaming, worrying, or singing.
It’s clear that technology plays a role in all three kinds of distracted driving. And, even though vehicle manufacturers are putting “infotainment” dashboards and hands-free technology in vehicles, these technologies still distract our brains from the “2-ton death machine” we’re operating. Now, that might sound harsh, but the reality is, safety behind the wheel is important, both physically and financially. Insurance is based on risk, in every aspect. The higher the accident rate, the more claims insurers have to pay. Insurers in turn transfer these costs to customers in the form of higher premiums, often based on information about traffic violations and accidents from driving records.
Among the dangerous behaviors drivers acknowledge, 44% are texting or emailing, 23% are using social media, 22% are recording videos or taking photos, and 15% are shopping online. I’m sure we’re all guilty of taking a phone call while driving, snapping a quick pic at a red light, or trying to switch the music from a playlist. It may seem like nothing, but those small distractions can lead to big accidents. So, what can you do to help reduce your own, and other’s distracted driving?
Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” while you’re driving.
Program autoreplies to texts and calls so others know you’re not responding because you’re driving.
Pull over to a safe location to check texts, voicemails, or to adjust music.
Stop texting, and end phone conversations with others when you learn they are driving.
As a passenger, offer help so your driver does not drive distracted.
We’re here to help protect what matters, and that means you and your budget. So, make a pledge today to stop distracted driving, and do your part to make sure safety on the road is your top priority while driving. For more information on distracted driving, visit enddd.org.
