Few people expect to become a statistic when they’re driving down the street, but chances of it happening are greater than some might think.
By definition, distracted driving involves any activity that could divert the driver’s attention from their primary task of driving. All distractions, no matter how big or small, are dangerous for the driver, passenger(s), and bystanders.
The list of distractions is endless but according to Distraction.gov, the official U.S. Government Website for Distracted Driving, texting is by far the most dangerous distraction. Whenever a driver texts while driving, they are putting themselves at a crash risk 23 times greater than driving while not distracted.
The issue of road safety has become increasingly high profile as a growing number of states, as well as the federal government, have taken steps to crack down on distracted driving – specifically when it comes to using cell phones and texting devices while behind the wheel.
Recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that in 2021, 3,522 people were killed in auto crashes that were caused by a distracted driver. So far, 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam banned texting while driving.
“Our top priority is safety and we are determined to help the states eradicate the dangerous practice of texting while driving,” said NHTSA administrator David Strickland.
These statistics can help remind individuals that even if they are young and healthy, it makes sense to drive carefully at all times and to protect their family by investing in the right life insurance policy.
To learn more about types of distracted driving, statistics and facts, see the U.S. Department of Transportation website.