Combined with the fact that around 9 percent of drivers between 15 and 19 were distracted at the time of fatal collisions, it’s no surprise that teens are often affected by distracted driving collisions. Distracted driving endangers life and property and the current levels of injury and loss are unacceptable. Distracted driving was a major factor in 3,157 crashes and 3,450 fatalities that occurred in 2016, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Although some accidents may be unavoidable — the result of bad weather or poor road conditions, for example — the vast majority are preventable. Insurance is all about managing risk, and distracted driving is extremely risky behaviour. It is important to check what the laws and penalties are in your state or any state where you plan to drive. And approximately fifteen percent of accidents resulting in injury are classified as being “distraction-affected” as well. When you need to pay attention, the prefrontal cortex (the front part of the brain) comes to the rescue.The prefrontal cortex is like the team captain- when it’s time do get something done, it keeps you focused on the task at hand while it recruits other parts of the brain to get the job done. Cognitive distractions —Anything taking your mind off driving. Also, some states ban all cellphone use while others ban only texting. Texting is particularly dangerous because it involves three types of distraction: A University of Utah study suggests that talking on a cell phone while driving impairs response times as effectively as drinking enough alcohol to exceed the legal limit. By Amanda Lavery. The number one contributory factor in causes of death of crashes involving distracted drivers, as well as the biggest concern of organizations that are against distracted driving is the use of cell phones and texting. The fact that the other driver was distracted leading up to your accident is almost always a very strong factor in your favor. While you may feel like you drive on autopilot, it requires a lot of focus and your full attention. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, defines distracted driving as, “any activity that diverts attention from driving.” This includes, but isn’t limited to, eating and drinking, chatting on the phone, scrolling through social media, texting while driving, and more. In the research, published in the journal Psychonomic Bulletin and Review, participants were asked true or false questions.Some of the study subjects were required to answer, while others were not, which is known as passive listening, as opposed to active listening. Evidence shows that drivers whose attention is diverted away from the driving task for more than 2 seconds at a time are at increased risk of a crash. This proves to be highly detrimental as, on average, 25% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities are due to distracted driving. Child Passenger Safety. But before we get started, let’s take a look at what distracted driving is. Eighteen states prohibit all drivers from using handheld phones while driving. While all drivers can be Concerns over distracted driving have led to waves of legislation regarding cell phone use while driving. Think about all the things you do while driving that require using a hand – grabbing your drink for a sip, messing with the radio (or a playlist on your phone), or reaching for something on the other side of the car. It often takes five years (10 years for California) to get back into good-driver standing once a DUI is on your driving record.. Distracted driving is so dangerous because it not only affects the driver, but the passengers and the innocent bystanders as well. Accessed Oct. 7, 2020. Another study indicates texting can make the risk of a crash 23 times higher than non-distracted driving. This report also includes recommendations for drivers, employers, legislators and manufacturers. Knowing what is likely to distract you when you're behind the wheel will help ensure that you keep your focus on the road and avoid disastrous accidents. To stem this problem, the FCC is working with People frequently drive distracted and escape consequences. While cell phone use is often a part of it, distracted driving also encompasses many other activities, including eating, reading, drinking, talking to other passengers, looking around, adjusting location devices, adjusting the radio or any other activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the task of driving. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Car insurance also will be expensive and difficult to obtain once you're cited for driving under the influence. If you endanger the public because your attention isn’t fully on the road, you could be charged with careless driving or dangerous driving, both of which carry heavier penalties, including the possibility of jail time. Fatigued Driving. No matter whether you're eating with one hand, picking up something you dropped, or fiddling with the stereo, you're doing something besides driving, and that carries risk. Ultimately, the battle comes down to individual drivers, resolving not to put themselves or others at risk by texting while driving. I also know, as does everyone on my team, that distracted driving is almost unavoidable. Phew! Creative Commons . The popularity of mobile devices has had some unintended and even dangerous consequences. Not only do distracted drivers have reduced reaction times, but they are also less aware of what is around them, including traffic signs, other cars, or pedestrians about to cross in front of them. 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