Are You A Distracted Driver?

Did you  know the number of drivers who report using a cell phone behind the wheel has jumped 30 percent since 2013?

 

As National Distracted Driving Awareness Month begins in April, surveys  indicate  that almost all drivers are already aware of the problem but they still engage in distracting behaviors at the wheel.

It is believed that 88 percent of drivers believe distracted driving is on the rise, topping other risky behaviors, such as aggressive driving, drivers using drugs and drunken driving.

 

• 49 percent of all drivers report recently talking on a hand-held while driving and nearly 35 percent have sent a text or email.

 

• 58 percent say talking on a cell phone behind the wheel is a very serious threat to their personal safety.

 

• 78 percent believe that texting is a significant danger.

 

Drivers talking on a phone are up to four times as likely to crash while those who text are up to eight times as likely to be involved in a crash.

 

 

PennDOT reports that in 2016 in Pennsylvania:

 

• There were 16,036 crashes where a distracted driver was a contributing factor — 12 percent of all reportable traffic crashes in 2016 — an 8 percent increase over 2015.

• Of those crashes, 61 were fatal — 5 percent of all fatal crashes in 2016.

 

 

Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales  urges drivers to act responsibly behind the wheel and avoid distractions:

• Put aside electronic distractions and never use text messaging, email, video games or internet functions, including those built into the vehicle, while driving.

 

• Pre-program your GPS and adjust seats, mirrors, climate controls and sound systems before driving.

 

• Properly secure children and pets and store loose possessions and other items that could roll around in the car.

 

• Snack smart by avoiding messy foods that can be difficult to manage.