Distracted driving is a serious problem in America. It is such a significant danger that it was found to be the cause of around 8.7% of all crash fatalities in 2019, according to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. With around 280,000 people suffering injuries in crashes caused by distractions, it is important for drivers to understand the risks and to take action to mitigate them.
Distracted driving disproportionately affects those between the ages of 20 and 29, but it can lead to crashes at any age. According to the statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of distracted drivers in fatal crashes fell into the 20 to 29 age range.
Distracted driving seems to be increasing instead of decreasing
It’s not surprising that distracted driving seems to be becoming more common than not. Electronic devices are common, as are technological add-ons within vehicles. In 2017, 3,003 people died in distracted driving crashes. That number decreased to 2,628 in 2018 but rose again to 3,142 in 2019.
Distracted driving happens so often because there are so many ways to be distracted. You can be distracted by:
- Auditory distractions
- Manual distractions
- Visual distractions
- Cognitive distractions
Simple actions like eating and drinking behind the wheel, texting and driving or using a GPS may all lead to small distractions that end up causing a crash.
When drivers aren’t paying attention, they don’t see what’s happening around them. They may also not fully process what’s happening around them, making it more likely for them to get into crashes.
You can take steps to avoid a distracted driving collision
You do have the power to avoid a distracted driving collision by making sure you always stay focused on the road. Reducing your own distractions as well as watching out for other drivers who may be distracted behind the wheel will reduce the likelihood of you getting into a collision.
If you are hit, remember that the distracted driver may be held liable. It is your right to pursue compensation from anyone who has caused you harm that led to financial damages.