Distracted driving is one of the biggest reasons for car accidents in Minnesota. Unfortunately, despite the known dangers of this bad habit, too many drivers continue to use handheld cell phones, eat and do other risky things behind the wheel.
Statistics on distracted driving
A report about distracted driving revealed that more than 52% of people admitted to eating while behind the wheel, while nearly 24% said they engaged in texting. Almost 12% admitted to snapping photos while driving, 6.5% claimed they applied makeup and more than 3% admitted to driving alcohol while operating their vehicle.
Although over 36% of people have admitted that using a handheld cell phone can cause distracted driving motor vehicle accidents, the same amount claimed to engage in the behavior. Approximately 4% of drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 stated that they felt pressure to reply to texts while on the road.
In recent years, distracted driving accident fatalities increased by 11%. Nearly 12% of all distraction-related crashes that caused death involved cell phone use. Since 2011, these incidents have increased by 5.4%, accounting for over 3,200 people tragically killed.
Why distracted driving is so dangerous
Distracted driving is dangerous because it causes drivers to lose focus on the road and control over their speed, steering and focus. Three types of distractions can occur: visual, manual and cognitive.
Although some behaviors only involve one type of distraction, others require two or all three. Texting is an example of the latter as your hands must leave the steering wheel, your eyes shift from the road and your mind drifts from your driving to do it.
Distracted driving remains a problem for everyone on the road. You can do your part to fight it by being responsible and alert behind the wheel.