Distracted driving is a growing problem. It is a cause of major injuries, according to the American Trauma Society.
Distracted driving is the subject of the National Trauma Awareness Month campaign: "Decide to Drive: Arrive Alive!"
Sixteen percent of fatal crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving. Our youngest and most inexperienced drivers are most at risk.
Distraction occurs any time you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your mind off your primary task: driving safely. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.
The principal actions that cause distracted driving include electronic device use, conversations with passengers, eating or snacking, the driver’s state of mind, applying makeup and reading or taking notes.
Acts that are simple when you are not driving become complicated and risky when you are driving.
Here are some startling statistics about distracted driving:
- Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.
- Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted.
- Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent of driving 55 mph the length of a football field blindfolded.
- Using a cell phone while driving, whether hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver’s reaction as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08.
- At any given moment during the daylight hours, more than 800,000 vehicles are being driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone.
What can you do to combat distracted diving? Pledge to drive phone-free and turn your cell phone off when you turn on your ignition. And, if you’re a passenger, make sure your driver does the same. Encourage your spouse and children to make the same pledge.