Distracted Driving: More Than Putting Down Your Phone
The number of vehicle collisions that occur in the U.S. on a yearly basis is staggering. The number of fatalities and injuries that result from these incidents is even more alarming. Nearly 40,000 people lose their lives every year in a crash, while about 3 million people in the U.S. are injured in car accidents. One of the most controversial topics today concerns drivers operating vehicles while distracted.
What is distracted driving and why has it become such a hot topic?
According to Distracted.gov, “Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving.”
Many people misinterpret distracted driving to only include the use of cell phones, texting or checking in on social media sites while driving. But it actually runs the gamut from eating and drinking to adjusting radios and CD players while in motion.
It’s estimated that 9 people a day are involved in fatal crashes where distracted driving is reported. About 1060 more are injured.
The group with the greatest number of fatalities resulting from incidents involving distracted driving is drivers under the age of 21.
These numbers are disproportionately high to begin with and tend to increase when young drivers aren’t focused on the road.
According to CDC.gov, nearly half of all high school students text or email while driving here in the U.S.
Drinking and driving also has been linked to teens texting while driving or riding in a car with someone that has been drinking.
There are three ways you can be distracted when driving:
- Visual – no eyes on the road
- Manual – no hands on the wheel
- Cognitive – mind is not focused on driving
Still, with all of the statistics and opportunities we’re faced with to be distracted, only 14 states prohibit hand-held cell phone use. Fortunately, Illinois is one of those states. Distraction.gov estimates that 171.3 billion text messages were sent in 2012.
Interestingly, it only takes the average driver about five seconds to take their eyes off the road to send a text. That’s the equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded and more than enough time to cause a collision.
As a result, 44 states, including Illinois, have agreed to ban any hand-held cell phone use while driving. As technology advances, unfortunately so does the opportunity to become distracted while driving.
Awareness is key – and Lexus of Highland Park believes that safe driving habits can help protect not only yourself, but everyone on the road. Visit our Highland Park dealership to find a great Lexus and to learn about the many safety features that come standard in our new Lexus vehicles.
