Distracted Driving Now Amongst Deadliest Road Hazards

More people are dying in car crashes caused by distracted driving than by drinking and driving. It's an astounding fact that is getting more attention as gadgets and cellular phones become indispensable, and as cell safety becomes a priority in the eyes of regulators. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), at least 1.6 million car accidents are caused by drivers talking or texting using hand-held devices.

The most dangerous distracted driving situations are caused by hand held devices. But what other habits fall into the distracted driving category? Accidents.com editorial team used what we call the "Virginia Tech 6-second rule" to determine what we deem a potential road danger. According to a 2009 study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, when traveling at 55 mph, a driver texting for 6 seconds is looking at the phone for 4.6 seconds of that time and travels the distance of a football field without their eyes on the road.

Here is the Accidents.com Distracted Driving List, gathered from interviews, other sources and inbound responses from Accidents.com members:

The Accidents.com Distracted Driving List

Distracted Driving #1 - Cell Phone: Texting While Driving (DWT)

DWT is becoming as common a topic as DUI when teaching driving safety to tweens and teens. New technology is emerging quickly to help keep young drivers safe. Studies find, however, that adults are just as guilty as teenagers of committing this dangerous DWT. According to a Pew Internet & American Life Project study, nearly half (47%) of all adults who use text messaging say they have sent or read messages while behind the wheel. That compares to one in three (34%) texting teens ages 16-17 who said they had "texted while driving".

Distracted Driving #2 - Cell Phone: Answering your cellular phone while driving

Answering your cellular phone without hands-free device is most dangerous, and hands-free devices do not make driving and talking safe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers are "more likely to miss key visual and audio cues needed to avoid a crash". Hands-free devices give people a false sense of safety; if they aren't focused on the road, there is a higher likelihood of an accident.

Distracted Driving #3 - Cell Phone: Dialing your cellular phone while driving

This is separate from "answering your cellular phone while driving" because of the time it takes to look down to search for a number and then dial, even for speed dialing. Dialing an entire number takes twice that amount of time. This could lead to lane swerving and speeding, which increase the likelihood of a serious or fatal vehicular accident.

Distracted Driving #4 - Cell Phone: Using iPhone or other hand-held gadgets as a GPS

Many people are starting to use their iPhones or similar as a GPS for driving directions. Most of these gadgets do not provide verbal turn-by-turn directions, and unlike printed maps, users have to scroll to see the entire page. Most are also not attached to the dashboard, increasing the risk that the driver may drop them. And again, since many drivers have to look away from the road to see the direction, the distraction danger is amplified.

Distracted Driving #5 - Radio: Adjusting radio stations while driving

Changing the radio station may sound innocent, but with the prevalence of satellite radio, this is becoming more dangerous. First it was thought to be safer because drivers would not have to change the station as often without commercials. In reality, however, drivers are spending time reading the display which now shows the name of the artist and song playing. This is becoming a feature in new cars on standard FM radio as well.

Distracted Driving #6 - Eating: Eating and driving is dangerous

Have you ever tried to dip a chicken finger into the barbecue sauce without taking your eyes off the road? Drinking coffee or eating a burger while driving can be deadly. Avoid an accident by eating before you leave. If you are on a long trip, stop to stretch your legs and take 5 minutes to eat that burger. It could save your life.

Distracted Driving #7 - Smoking:

If you are driving and lighting your cigarette, your eyes are not on the road. Drivers also get concerned with falling ashes. It is also dangerous to flick your ashes out the window. Another driver can get distracted if a hot ash gets into his/her car and can cause an accident. Talking on the phone and smoking is even more dangerous.

Other dangerous distracted driving habits:

• Applying make-up while driving, even at a red light

• Infant/Baby Rear View Mirrors

• Pets in driver's laps while driving

• Children distracting parents

• Shaving or personal grooming while driving

• Reading while driving (maps, books, newspapers)

Sources:

• Pew Internet & American Life Project, Cell Phone Distractions
• Virginia Tech Transportation Institute Study

All content on Accidents.com is for informational purposes only and is NOT intended as legal or medical advice. Please seek advice from a professional on any related topics.

Tags:  Distracted Driving · Personal Injuries · Safety and Prevention · Teen Driving Safety