Distracted driving is one of the biggest problems plaguing the roads in Georgia and beyond. It’s one of the leading causes of car accidents and serious injuries. These are some facts and statistics on distracted driving.
Fatalities from distracted driving
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,000 people tragically lost their lives to distracted driving accidents in 2020. This includes distracted drivers and other drivers, passengers and pedestrians who were unfortunate enough to cross paths with them.
Younger people between the ages of 15 and 20 are most likely to be killed in distracted driving crashes. According to the NHTSA, they make up 7% of all deaths from such accidents.
Types of distracted driving
There are three categories of distracted driving: Visual, cognitive and manual. Visual distractions require drivers to shift their eyes off the road to focus on some outside activity. Cognitive distraction occurs when a driver concentrates more on a different activity rather than driving. Manual distractions require the driver to move their hands off the steering wheel and onto another object.
Cell phone use while driving is particularly dangerous
Texting while driving is considered the most dangerous habit because it involves all three distraction types. In Georgia, it’s against the law to use a hand-held cell phone even to make or receive phone calls. The state has also banned texting, emailing, social media and anything involving cell phone use while driving.
Unfortunately, in spite of these laws, many people still use their phones while driving and end up in collisions. According to the NHTSA’s National Safety Council (NSC) analysis, the use of hand-held phones and other devices has increased by 127% over a decade’s time.
Remaining alert at all times and using defensive driving tactics are the best ways to avoid distractions while driving.
