Steer Clear of Distracted Driving
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Steer Clear of Distracted Driving
Top 10 Driver Distractions
It only takes seconds to look away from the road to check your hair in the mirror, dial a phone or turn to chat with someone in the backseat. But it also only takes seconds for a crash to change – and even take – a life.
Here are the top 10 most common driver distractions, in order, that lead to crashes and near-crashes:
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
It only takes seconds to look away from the road to check your hair in the mirror, dial a phone or turn to chat with someone in the backseat. But it also only takes seconds for a crash to change – and even take – a life.
Here are the top 10 most common driver distractions, in order, that lead to crashes and near-crashes:
- Using a wireless device (e.g., a cell phone).
- Talking to passengers.
- Reaching for something inside the vehicle.
- Tinkering with the dashboard (e.g., the radio).
- Shaving and checking lipstick.
- Eating.
- External distractions (e.g., pointing at something funny).
- Theatrical singing.
- Smoking.
- Daydreaming.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
You never know when another driver may pull out in front of you or do something else that you don't expect. Inattentive driving – even for a few seconds – is a leading factor in most crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Spill It? Leave It
The study found the most dangerous driver distraction is reaching for something, such as a spilled drink. Reaching for something increased crash and near-crash risk nine times. But that's not the most common distraction, which is using a cell phone.
Dialing and texting isn't always the problem, according to an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study. Being mentally engaged in a conversation on a handheld or hands-free device takes a driver's focus off driving and increases the risk of a serious crash.
Even if it makes your ears bleed, you're better off suffering through a song – or driving with the radio off – than suffering through injuries you sustain or inflict upon others if you drive distracted and crash. If possible, pull off the road and stop before dealing with distractions.
| * | Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. |