It’s a safe bet that when you’re at a stop light, you see the person in the car next to you pull out their cell phone and start using it. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,166 distracted driving deaths in 2017. This is only the reported amount—it’s likely that the number is much higher because measuring the actual total can be very difficult.
As smartphones have steadily crept into our everyday lives, so has the use while operating an automobile. However, you’d be surprised that texting and driving is actually not the number one cause of distracted driving. Below is a list of the top 10 driving distractions to avoid a fatal car accident. The data was compiled and analyzed Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
Top 10 Distracted Driving Types
1. Daydreaming (generally distracted or “lost in thought”) – 61%
Daydreaming beat out cell phone use by over 4x. An incredible 61% of drivers admitted to being “generally distracted” or “lost in thought” when a fatal collision occurred. Sometimes being alone in the car may feel like the only time you have time to yourself. But it’s during those times, especially in heavy traffic, when being alert is critical to protecting yourself and others on the road.
2. Phone Usage (texting, calling, etc.) – 14%
By now, we all know the dangers of this one. In fact, studies show texting and driving is more dangerous than driving drunk. Almost every state has a law banning cell phone usage while driving. California has several laws that address it. Even if you’re at a stoplight, it’s still against California law to use your cellphone. There are also ways for car accident lawyers to find out if the at-fault party was using their cellphone at the time of a car crash.
3. Rubbernecking (distracted by outside event or object)
Rubbernecking is the act of staring at something outside your car that interests you. An example of this would be the scene of an accident. Many people will slow down to get a look because of curiosity. While this may just be human nature, the desire to look can divert your eyes away from the road and what’s in front of you and potentially cause a rear-end collision.
4. Passengers in vehicle – 5%
Having passengers in the car is something that’s unavoidable. Whether it’s a summer vacation, taking the kids to school or soccer practice or carpooling, this is just a regular occurrence. However, prioritizing everyone’s safety in the car is important. It is as much on the passengers to help not to distract the driver as it is the driver to keep their eyes on the road.
5. Using or reaching for a device brought into the car – 2%
Whether this is headphones, your phone, a navigation system, or other device, this takes your eyes away from the road. Make sure to set these things in place before starting your drive rather than reaching during a trip.
6. Adjustment to audio or climate controls – 1%
Adjusting these should be done before you begin driving or, if possible, while you’re stopped.
7. Eating or drinking – 1%
According to NHTSA, those who eat and drive increase the odds of a collision by 80%. Eating will usually require at least one hand off the wheel, but it can also take your eyes away from the road by reaching for something like a napkin or fork.
8. Using devices integral to vehicle like rear view mirrors, seats, OEM navigation – 1%
Similar to audio and climate, this should be done before you start your driving or while stopped.
9. Moving object in vehicle like a pet or a bug – <1%
If you have an animal in the car, it can be a very serious distraction. Unfortunately, sometimes bugs fly in through the window that can distract while driving as well and may be unavoidable.
10. Smoking – <1%
Pulling out a cigarette and lighting it can take your eyes off of the road for a significant distance. Accidents happen quickly and require immediate reaction time. It’s best to wait and save the cigarette for later.
How to help prevent distracted driving
One way to make sure you’re focused on the road is to use the 3 Second Rule. This requires the driver to pick out a spot the car in front of them is passing and then count 3 seconds before they pass it. This forces the driver to keep their attention on the road in front of them.
If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligence of a distracted driver, we are here to help. Car Accident Attorney Hanecak Law Inc will go over your case for free and help evaluate your options. Many people feel as if they don’t need a car accident lawyer, but having one is just one way to maximize your car crash settlement.
Call us today at (916) 619-5452 or fill out our form online for free and friendly advice
