Why Are More People Driving While Distracted?

There are several reasons why someone can experience a severe car accident. Improper seat belt use, speeding, and drunk driving are some of the most common ways people get into accidents. However, distracted driving has recently become one of the top ways Americans die in car accidents each year.

Why Has Distracted Driving Increased?

Distracted driving rates have skyrocketed across the country, according to a survey by Zendrive. The survey found that the number has significantly risen due to an increase in cell phone use. People are using their phones more while driving, and for longer periods of time, despite the many legal efforts to decrease technology-induced distracted driving.

According to the survey, an estimated 69 million drivers (60 percent of all drivers) use their cell phones at least once while driving each day. The amount of time spent on the phone behind the wheel is also increasing. In 2018, distracted drivers used their phones an average of 3 minutes and 40 seconds every hour, which is 10 seconds more than 2017.

Unsurprisingly, talking and texting has been found to be the number one cause of distracted driving accidents involving mobile phone use. Obviously, it can be dangerous to use your phone while driving. If you are not using a hands-free device, that means both hands are not on the wheel. In addition, any type of phone use while driving (including hands-free) can take away from your ability to focus on your surroundings.

Additional Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents

Phone use is not the only reason why distracted driving accidents occur. There are additional reasons why people are distracted while driving their vehicles. Some of these reasons include:

• Using a GPS. Motorists in the U.S. have become very dependent on using navigational systems to get to their destinations. However, setting up a route, putting in an address, and constantly checking your phone for the next turn can result in distracted driving accidents. Having a phone mount and an app with audible directions can help reduce the risk of an accident. However, remember that infotainment systems found in most modern vehicles can also be distracting.


• Adjusting music or other dashboard controls. Changing the radio station, adjusting the volume, or changing songs on a phone can be distracting. You should make adjustments before leaving or once you have reached a complete stop.


• Talking to passengers. Another common way to get distracted while driving is to take your attention off the road while speaking to passengers. Passengers are an especially dangerous risk for teenage drivers. Some states (like Pennsylvania) have restrictions on the number of passengers new drivers can carry.


• Failing to look at the road ahead. Accidents and other incidents outside of your vehicle may lead to distractions while driving. Also, looking around for landmarks or other things while visiting another city can be distracting.

External factors can also play a part in distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teenagers drive often and are significantly less experienced at driving. They are also more likely to be on their phones texting or interacting on social media.

Distracted driving causes thousands of car accidents every year, and many of these accidents are fatal or lead to life-altering injuries. Injured drivers or individuals who lost loved ones to distracted driving accidents should contact a personal injury attorney to determine possible legal options for recovering compensation.