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Distracted Driving

A distraction is anything that takes your mind and attention away from driving.

There are three main types of distraction (1):

  1. Visual — taking your eyes off the road
  2. Manual — taking your hands off the wheel
  3. Cognitive — taking your mind off what you’re doing

DID YOU KNOW…

  • In 2022, there were 3,308 people killed in crashes involving distracted driving across the nation, 63 of which were people ages 18-24 in Texas (2).
  • Handheld cell phone use continues to be higher among female drivers than male drivers (3).
  • From 2007 to 2022, young drivers 16 to 24 years old have been observed manipulating electronic devices at higher rates than older drivers (3).

Cell Phones are a distraction

  • In 2022, 76% of drivers killed in distracted driving-related crashes were male (2).
  • A driver is four times more likely to crash when using a cell phone while driving, regardless of whether it’s hand-held or hands-free (4).
  • Engaging in visual-manual subtasks (such as reaching for a phone, dialing, and texting) associated with the use of hand-held phones and other portable devices increased the risk of getting into a crash by three times (5).
  • Texting and driving causes reaction time to double and those drivers have a harder time staying in their lane and maintaining a consistent speed (6).

Passengers are a distraction

  • Two out of every three youths who died as passengers are in vehicles driven by other teens (1).
  • In 2022, 56% of the deaths of teenage passengers in passenger vehicles occurred in vehicles driven by another teenager. (7)
  • Research has shown that crash risk and the risk of being killed in a crash increases as the number of young passengers in the vehicle increases (1).

How to Stop Distracted Driving

  • Focus on the road. When you are driving is not the time to multi-task.
  • Keep distractions out of the car. If you know you will be tempted to look at or use your phone, lock it in the trunk or turn it off.
  • Ask passengers to obey your rules while they are in the car, meaning buckle up and don’t distract you.
  • Designate a texter. If you have a passenger, hand over your phone so they can do your texting or talking for you.
  • Be a good passenger by not distracting the driver.
  • Know that as a driver, you have the responsibility to yourself and others. A vehicle is heavy machine and should be treated with respect.
  • Set your music/radio before you take your car out of Park.
  • Never use headphones while driving. It’s illegal and dangerous.
  • Keep passengers to a minimum. If every person doesn’t have a seat belt, you have too many passengers.
  • If you don’t feel well or emotionally able to drive – don’t. Ask for a ride or wait until you are able.
  • Know your limitations. Driving experience comes with time. It’s ok to not be ready for certain driving conditions. Never feel pressured to drive dangerously or beyond your experience.

Sources:

  1. CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/teen-drivers/risk-factors/index.html
  2. NHTSA FARS Data, 2022
  3. National Safety Council: https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/distracted-driving/data-details/  
  4. National Safety Council: https://nsc-org-storage.azureedge.net/cms/nsc.org/media/site-media/docs/safe-driving/reports/corp-liability-report.pdf 
  5. American Health and Safety Institute: https://hsi.com/courses/distracted-driving
  6. Texas A&M Transportation Institute: https://tti.tamu.edu/news/new-study-says-texting-doubles-a-driver%E2%80%99s-reaction-time/
  7. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Fatality Facts 2021: Teenagers. Retrieved from https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/teenagers#passenger-vehicle-occupants  

Updated September 2024

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