The Alarming Growth of Distracted Driving and How to Avoid Becoming a Statistic

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,142 Americans died in 2020 as result of distracted driving. The danger is profound and happening at high speeds, as recent data also shows that 36% of all distracted driving happens at 50 mph or above.

Distracted driving includes anything that removes your concentration from the task of driving. Using a phone or other mobile device, eating or drinking, talking to others in the vehicle, or adjusting any of the vehicle’s systems including the stereo and navigation systems are all common examples.

Thirty-seven percent of trips involve some type of distraction due to handling a phone while driving, with the nature of phone use changing over the last decade.

While the number of drivers talking on their smartphones has decreased, the number of drivers texting, emailing, or scrolling through social media has more than doubled, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

This change makes phone use even more dangerous than talking, as texting, emailing and similar communications require typing and additional screen manipulation that require long stretches of eyes being off the road.

There are multiple ways that you can help yourself eliminate distractions while driving:

• Activate a “Do Not Disturb” setting on your phone so you are not alerted to calls, texts, and other notifications when driving.
• Plan your route and set your navigation before you go. Look at the map in advance and use voice commands when driving so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road.
• Practice what you preach: don’t call or text anyone else when you know they are driving so as not to distract them.
• Many drivers report that they must be “available at all times” for work. Avoid this dangerous precedent by telling your employer and clients that you will not respond to communications until you are safely stopped.
• Refuse to communicate with friends, family, and co-workers when they are driving, telling them that they can call back when they are safely stopped.
• Limit your engagement with passengers when driving. Explain to children that you must concentrate when driving, which also instills in them a good habit when it’s time for them to get behind the wheel.
• Select and begin your music playlist, podcast, audiobook, or other entertainment before you set out, and stick to it for the duration of your drive.
• Put your phone in the back seat or somewhere that you can’t reach when driving, if you are easily tempted by it.
• Before setting out, ensure all vehicle systems are in working order and set to your specifications. Examples include temperature and fan settings, wiper settings, defrosters, and seat and mirror adjustments.
• Consider installing a telematics app on your phone, which evaluates driving metrics including phone usage when driving. Some insurance companies provide discounts and other incentives for a safe telematics driving score.
• Remember that nothing is as important as your safety and the safety of others. It can wait.

By Colleen Woods-Esposito