While drunk driving gets a lot of press, distracted driving is just as devastating on the roads.
In fact, 2019 statistics are alarming. The main culprit is mobile devices, but there are many things that can distract any driver, including eating, looking for music, and talking to passengers in the car. Here are some other statistics which may be surprising to you.
- According to the NHTSA, 660,000 drivers use electronic devices while driving. Texting or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for at least 5 seconds.
- An average of 9 people per day die in the United States due to distracted driving.
- When it comes to teenagers, 21% of their accidents involve cell phone use. Teens are also 2x more likely to die in a fatal crash if they have even one friend in the car.
- Across demographics, reaching for an object in your car increases the chances of a car crash by 8 times.
- Parents with young children are more likely to be distracted behind the wheel than adults without kids in their car.
Can Tech Features Combat Distracted Driving?
As we have discussed in a previous post, new car technology is revolutionizing one of the most mundane of daily tasks – our commuting. While all of the gadgets are making life more streamlined and connected, it also has some dire implications for distracted driving incidents.
Because public awareness campaigns do not seem to be having the desired effect – the majority of drivers still utilize mobile devices in some capacity when driving – car manufacturers may be forced to pursue incorporating features which disable (or greatly restrict) a mobile device’s capabilities when the automobile is moving.
Some tech companies are already developing features aimed at reducing distracted driving. For instance, Apple’s CarPlay includes a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature. Essentially, if your phone senses that you are driving, the phone is silenced, the screen will not turn on, and sends auto-reply texts on your behalf. Navigation apps such as Waze have incorporated similar features. However, all of these apps require that you turn on the “do not disturb” feature” willingly – and it can be disabled.
Still, for those who have good intentions but can’t seem to resist the “ding” of a new message announcement – these features should help to minimize device use. Self-driving cars are the ultimate technology, and may be coming sooner than you think. But in the meantime, experts suggest doing the following every time you get in your car.
- Turn off your cell phone and place it in the glove compartment or console.
- If available in your car, sync with Bluetooth.
- If you don’t have a Bluetooth option in your car, invest in a standalone solution which functions in the same way.
- Set your GPS destination before turning on the ignition.
- Ask a front-seat passenger to change the music, send an ETA, or check the upcoming traffic report.
- Try to keep conversation calm and don’t look away from the road to speak with someone.
Depending on your driving record and the state you live in, a distracted driving citation can raise your auto insurance rates significantly – in some cases, as much as 8 or 9x your current premium. Driving while distracted is simply not worth the risk. For more information on how to keep your Sarasota car insurance rates low and keep them there, call the professionals at Anderson & Associates Insurance for a no-obligation quote.
