12 shocking distracted driving facts and stats

Distracted driving is not only dangerous, its careless. While a single individual isn’t the culprit, each crash is often due to the actions of a single distracted driver. These crashes lead to thousands of injuries and fatalities each year. 

Many states have either banned or passed one-touch legislation in hopes of persuading drivers to drive undistracted for fear of fines and other penalties if pulled over. Also, numerous apps and insurance companies have begun to reward individuals and customers who drive safely.

The following stats and facts are listed below to shine a light upon the harm caused by distracted driving.

1. The actions of a distracted driver cause 25% of all vehicle fatalities
2. Teenagers are the most substantial demographic associated with fatal crashes related to distracted driving
3. Of all teen motor vehicle crashes, distracted driving accounts for 58%
4. The Department of Motor Vehicles has cited that nine people are killed each day due to distracted driving
5. In 2015, over 3, 400 people died due to the action of a distracted driver
6. According to a CBS News report, the cause of the many crashes (distracted driving) often goes underreported. Therefore, you must consider that the yearly figures surrounding crashes, injuries, and deaths are higher than reported.
7. A crash can occur as soon as 3 seconds after a driver has stopped looking at the road
8. Teenagers aged 16 to 19 are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash
9. Distracted driving is a common thread amongst most drivers. Over 80% of drivers asked conceded that they often perform visual, manual, or cognitive tasks while driving.
10. A visual task would include checking a GPS navigation system
11. Manual tasks would consist of operating a cellphone or putting on makeup
12. Cognitive tasks are related to a general lack of focus by the driver due to their mind wandering, or the driver falling asleep at the wheel

The fact of the matter is that distracted driving is dangerous and completely preventable is drivers make the conscious effort to focus on the road at all times.