In 2015, distracted driving took the lives of 3,477 people. Distracted driving, which includes but isn’t limited to texting behind the wheel, is so dangerous that it’s been a point of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to get people the facts about it to help them understand why it’s so dangerous.
Distractions cause accidents that can be deadly. Even when someone isn’t killed, statistics from 2015 show that 391,000 people were injured in distracted-driving crashes.
What is the most prominent distraction on the roads?
Texting and talking on a cellphone are among the most common distractions on the roads. People may be taking phone calls for work or texting a loved one that he or she is a few minutes away. Taking your eyes off the road for even a short amount of time can result in a crash, though, so neither of these activities are safe.
Who is most likely to be distracted behind the wheel?
Teens are the most likely group to be distracted behind the wheel, but people of all ages have distractions to contend with. From going through a drive through and eating in a vehicle while driving to breaking up arguing children, there are many different kinds of distractions that could take your eyes or mind off the road.
What can you do to prevent a crash caused by distracted driving?
It is relatively easy to prevent a crash caused by distracted driving. The first step is just to put down your phone. If you must take a call, pull over into a parking lot or to the side of the road. Wait to respond to texts until you’re not moving. Try to avoid eating in your vehicle, and plan for longer trips with friends, family members or children by discussing distractions and how to act, or not act, in a vehicle.
Distractions kill. Take the time to focus on the road, so you can get where you’re going safely.
How do you avoid distractions while on the road?
