April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month!

As phone usage behind the wheel has become the cause of increased fatalities on the road, it is necessary to remind drivers to be responsible and what are the consequences of distracted driving.

What is distracted driving?

The NHTSA defines distracted driving as any non-driving activity that occurs behind the wheel. It identifies the three types of distracted driving as:

• Visual: Taking your eyes off the road
• Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving

There are many studies out there compiling alarming data when it comes to drivers’ behaviors. For example, In January of 2021, The Zebra reached out to American drivers to understand the habits they engage in behind the wheel of a car ⁽¹⁾. While many claim they never drive while distracted, others admit to engaging in many other behaviors while driving, including texting.

• 52.5% of respondents reporting eating while driving, down 4.2% from last year’s respondents. Other behaviors include:
  • Texting (23.6%)
  • Taking photos (11.7%)
  • Applying makeup (6.5%)
• 3.4% admitted to drinking while driving!

Here are 4 key numbers we should all be aware of when it comes to distracted driving.

• Every year, distracted drivers are responsible for about 2.5 million car crashes ⁽²⁾.
• It takes the brain 13 seconds to refocus after using a cell phone ⁽³⁾.
• In the US, about 8 people are killed every day due to crashes that involved a distracted driver ⁽⁴⁾.
• Over 1000 people are injured every day in crashes caused by distracted driving. ⁽⁵⁾

What YOU can do:

• Put down your phone!
• Don’t eat while driving.
• Do not drive impaired.
• Stop if you feel tired.
• Limit the number of people in your vehicle.
• Focus on the road and your surroundings.

Stay safe everyone and remember to #justdrive !

(1) https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/distracted-driving-statistics/

(2), (3) & (5) https://blog.drivedifferent.com/blog/10-distracted-driving-statistics-and-facts-for-safe-drivers

(4) https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html