What are some of the most common forms of distracted driving, and how does it affect my safety?
Distracted driving is a serious problem that affects thousands of motorists on the road every year. Nationwide averages show that more than 400,000 individuals were injured because of distracted driving in 2012, and more than 3,300 were killed.
In Virginia, eight out of ten crashes are related to distracted driving! Distracted driving is clearly a serious problem. Trends show that some of the greatest offenders of distracted driving are those drivers under the age of 20. Driver inexperience could be one of the contributing factors to this reality. However, no driver is immune to the dangers of distracted driving.
What are the common forms of distractions while driving?
- Texting
- Talking on a cell phone
- Eating or drinking
- Talking with passengers
- Using navigation devices
- Video recording events
- Personal grooming (putting on make-up, combing hair)
- Rubbernecking
The problem arises because society has become so accustomed to multitasking that the practice has now traveled outside of the home or office and into the car. However, it is never safe to try and do two things at once while behind the wheel.
When driving and talking on the phone at the same time, brain activity associated with focused driving is reduced by almost 40%! Using a smartphone to browse the Internet or text makes drivers 23 times more likely of getting in a crash. So, yes, distracted driving is as bad as the billboards, bumper stickers, and commercials warn. Anytime drivers take their eyes off the road, the risk of getting into a car accident exists.
To avoid getting into a rear-end crash on the Capital Beltway or a t-bone collision on Constitution Avenue, always be sure to keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel and your mind focused on staying safe.
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