Distracted driving is still a major cause of collisions in 2021. Through the last several years, there has been an increase in the number of media stories and actions taken to alert the public about distractions on the road and how dangerous they can be. Unfortunately, people are still choosing to be distracted by food, their devices, passengers and other things happening when they should be focused on driving.
Distracted driving statistics show that distracted driving leads to thousands of people dying on the roads of the United States each year. On top of that, thousands more people are injured in these crashes.
Texting while driving is still a cause for concern
Although there have been major steps in the right direction concerning reducing the number of texting drivers on the road, 17.9% of people between the ages of 18 and 24 admitted to feeling pressured to respond to texts while driving. This coincides with the reality that this age group is most often involved in collisions.
Having this high pressure to respond to others immediately is concerning. Even older people who know much better than to be distracted behind the wheel admit to feeling pressured to respond quickly while on the road. In one study, 4.1% of those between 25 and 34 still felt pressured to respond to texts while driving.
Texting isn’t the only distraction that causes problems
Texting definitely isn’t the only distraction that causes collisions. Other distractions, such as eating behind the wheel, dealing with a crying child, pets in the vehicle, changing the radio station and others impact the safety of drivers and their passengers on the road every day.
What can you do to have a safer drive?
It may not be possible to eliminate every distraction that you face, but you can take steps to limit them. Put your phone on silent. Use automated responses to let others who contact you know that you’re driving. Change your radio station before you get into your vehicle. Talk to passengers and children about good manners in your vehicle. By doing these things, you’ll make yourself a better driver and be less likely to get into a car crash.