Distracted driving numbers are on the rise as the development of technology in day-to-day life continues advance. One of the biggest distractions that vehicle drivers face is texting while driving. Just looking at one text message can advert your eyes for five full seconds from the roadway. If you’re traveling 55 miles per hour in the state of Ohio, that five seconds is equivalent to the length of an entire football field.
Nearly 10% increase in fatalities
A recent study revealed that distracted driving resulted in the death of 3,142 people in 2019. This is nearly a 10% increase in the number of fatalities compared to 2018. This study has brought to light a big problem in modern-day society.
As part of an effort to decrease the number of traffic accidents that are the result of distracted driving, the study took into account various jurisdictions and their attributes. The findings revealed that jurisdictions with the lowest overall rate of traffic fatalities due to distracted driving had some similar attributes. These included public education about distracted driving, outreach programs, stricter traffic safety laws and enforcement of the laws through local police.
Future reports still to come
The Behavioral Traffic Safety Cooperative Research Program is behind the reports about distracted driving. The program is a collaboration between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Governors Highway Safety Association and the Transportation Research Board. All of these organizations have combined efforts to collect data regarding distracted driving in all 50 states and to suggest solutions to decrease fatality rates.
Distracted driving accidents are increasing as technology continues to advance. It’s clear that there’s a need for drivers to be more aware of their distracted driving habits and to cut them out. Negligent drivers who don’t pay attention behind the wheel could cause severe accidents and be liable for personal injury claims filed by the victims.