Worldwide, nearly 1.2 million people die each year on the world’s roads. Despite advancements in safety and awareness campaigns, that number continues to rise dramatically each year. Sadly, accidents are the leading cause of death among 3 – 33 year olds in the United States according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). What may surprise you even more than the number of deaths caused by traffic accidents is the number one reason for the accidents themselves – distracted drivers. That’s right – we are our own worst enemy.
The statistics show that anywhere from 25-80 percent of all motor vehicle crashes in the United States are the result of driver distraction in one form or the other. Driver distraction can be any of the following: visual (eyes off the road); cognitive (mind off the road); or manual (hands off the steering wheel). The most common cause of distraction related accidents is visual – taking your eyes off the road or “rubbernecking”. How many times have you passed by an existing accident and felt compelled to look? We all do it, but this can actually result in yet another accident. Ask a police officer how many times she has seen multiple accidents at the same scene – she’s likely to tell you it happens all the time.
Although “rubbernecking” takes the prize for the most accidents caused, other driver distractions are equally as dangerous. Cellular phone usage while driving has become so common that seven states have banned texting while driving altogether. Other states ban texting for novice drivers or require hands-free devices to be used while talking on your cellular phone.
Driver fatigue, which potentially causes all three types of distraction, is responsible for about 100,000 accidents each year in the United States. The risk is greatest between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., however driver fatigue can hit anyone at any time. Unfortunately, many people don’t even realize they are drifting off until it is too late.
Other passengers, animals or children in the car are also responsible for a significant number of distraction related accidents. If you’ve ever been in a vehicle with children (and who hasn’t?) you know that even a trip to the supermarket can turn into a screaming fit that literally drives you to distraction. The desire to pacify your child often compels you to take your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel. Likewise, the family pet that loves to ride in the car can become a distraction if allowed to roam freely about the vehicle. Even well meaning passengers can distract you by asking you to change the radio station or turn up the heat.
Whether you have been driving for 40 years or 4 months, taking your eyes or your mind off the road or your hands off the wheel can be a fatal mistake. While the consequences of an accident may last a lifetime, it only takes a split second for an accident to happen.
