Distracted Driving – Not Just a Teen Issue
How many times have we been driving down the road and noticed another driver veering off into another lane because they are on their phone, texting, eating, or playing with their vehicle sound system. An estimated 9.5% of all fatal crashes over the past six years involved a distracted driver. In 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated distracted driving claimed 2,841 lives.
If you take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds while traveling at 55 mph, you will travel over the length of a football field. Now think about that for just a moment, that is actually like closing your eyes and driving blind for a distance of over 100 yards. Within that distance, you could miss a vehicle entering the roadway, an individual trying to cross a street, or a car stopping in front of you.
Although we paint a picture of teens texting while driving and being the major cause of these accidents, it doesn’t matter the age of the driver. Just about half of the drivers on road have admitted to answering their phones while driving. How many adults have focused on a text message they received or notifications coming in on their mobile device while driving? So distracted driving is not just a teen issue.
There are some ways to help reduce the issue of distracted driving.
1. Purchase a vehicle with Bluetooth technology, allowing you to answer or make a call without touching your phone.
2. Make sure you are dressed before leaving your home.
3. Adjust your vehicle audio system, mirrors, and climate controls before getting on the road.
4. Turn off and put aside your electronic devices.
5. If you need to take a make a call or take a call, pull off the road in a safe area.
Remember, as a driver you should have your complete attention on the road.