People may get into a car accident for many reasons. One of the most preventable factors is distractions behind the wheel.
Distracted driving has the capacity to result in fatal collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving caused 3,142 people to die in a collision in 2019. Many people associate cellphones with distractions, and this technology does take people’s eyes off the road. If people look at their cellphones to send a text message, they can drive the length of a football field without looking at the road. However, distracted driving also includes activities such as changing the radio station, programming the GPS and talking to passengers.
Who is most prone to distracted driving?
Anyone can experience distractions behind the wheel. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teenage drivers are more likely to drive while distracted than older drivers. One 2019 study found that about 39% of teenage drivers sent text messages and emails behind the wheel at least once ina 30-day period. Younger drivers also have a higher chance of getting into a fatal collision in which distracted driving is a factor.
Can people prevent distracted driving?
While people cannot control the behavior of other drivers, they can make sure that they avoid distractions behind the wheel. People should usually refrain from multitasking. This includes the following actions:
- Eating
- Reading emails and text messages
- Making phone calls
- Adjusting mirrors
- Changing the radio station
- Putting on makeup
Additionally, passengers can help drivers to focus on the road. People can program the GPS, read the map and answer phone calls so that drivers do not need to take their eyes off the road.
By understanding the risks of distracted driving, people can do their part to make the road safer for everyone.