One aspect of distracted driving that has claimed many lives is texting.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that 3,522 people died from distracted driving in 2021. Nine people are killed daily in accidents involving a distracted driver.
When we get behind the wheel, we must focus on the main task, driving, and not let internal or external distractions put others at risk.
Examples of internal causes of distracted driving include taking your eyes off the road when looking for something in the glove box, adjusting your mirrors, talking to coworkers, changing the radio station, or looking for something in the back seat of the car. Putting on makeup, adjusting the GPS, or eating or drinking are other internal examples of distracted driving.
Examples of external distractions include looking at buildings, signs, or advertisements.
These are examples of risky behaviors that can limit your concentration while driving.
Driving at 55 mph and taking your eyes off the road for five seconds to send or read a text is like driving across a football field with your eyes closed. That illustrates the importance of keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a 2019 youth risk behavior survey found that 60% of 18-year-olds said they had texted or emailed while driving in the past 30 days.
The Department of Insurance encourages drivers to be vigilant about this growing problem. Focusing on the main task at hand, driving, and avoiding distractions can prevent many traffic accidents and deaths.
