In today’s day and age, cellphones are practically attached to each persons’ hip. We are constantly texting, video calling, and chatting on the phone. This creates a huge problem when driving as it create an issue called “distracted driving.” Those who drive distractedly are often paying attention to their cell phone in some way. This is extremely dangerous and can cause many accidents. Learning more about the dangers of distracted driving should ward you off of answering your phone while driving and convince you that any text can wait.
Key Cellphone Distracted Driving and Accidents Statistics
In 2018, cellphone distracted driving killed 1,730 drivers, 605 passengers, 400 pedestrians, and 77 bicyclists. Distracted driving from cellphones and accidents go hand-in-hand, as they cause so many accidents each year, fatal and non-fatal.
The National Safety Council has reported that over 1.6 million crashes occur each year because of distracted driving from cellphones. While not all of these crashes result in extreme injury or death, they all have one thing in common: they all could have been prevented by simply not using a cellphone while driving.
Hopefully, after learning more about the dangerous statistics of driving with cellphone distractions, it will make you and anyone else think about it before you reach to answer that text or check that notification.
How to Avoid Distracted Driving Accidents
The number one way to avoid distracted driving accidents is to avoid distracted driving and cell phone use while driving, period. Of course, you are only in charge of your own actions so even if you are not on your cell phone, you should be vigilant and alert when driving, as others may still be distracted or driving recklessly.
Additionally, if you are the parent of a driving teen, you should recognize that that population makes up many of the distracted drivers on the road. Have an open and candid talk with your teen about safe driving habits, and remind them to put their phones away when they hit the road.
