It’s no surprise that distracted driving is a major cause of car-related injuries and deaths. In fact, it’s estimated that roughly 25% of motor vehicle accident fatalities are a result of distracted driving.
But what causes us to be distracted while driving in the first place? A Pennsylvania-based insurance company examined data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which surveys all American motor vehicle fatalities.
The results reveal the top causes of distracted driving, and make it clear that not all distractions are created equal.
Generally distracted or “lost in thought”By far the biggest cause of distracted driving fatalities is a driver’s mind wandering for long enough to lead to a collision—and someone’s death. |
62% |
Cellphone useThe second-leading cause of deaths due to distraction-related car accidents won’t be a surprise to anyone, as cellphones can distract us in a number of ways. But if they’re not the biggest cause then what is? |
12% |
Outside person, object or eventIt turns out that looking at something or someone outside the car, like gawking at an accident or at people in other cars, is even more of a distraction than the person in the passenger seat. |
7% |
Other occupantsOther people in the car can place major demands on your attention when you’re driving, which can result in a collision. |
5% |
Using or reaching for a device brought into the carWe all know that using devices like cellphones can take our minds off the task of driving. But it turns out that even reaching for them can lead to a serious accident. |
2% |
Eating or drinkingEvery car has cupholders—and using them can be a definite source of distraction. |
2% |
Adjusting audio or climate controlsFiddling with the radio or adjusting the A/C for even a moment is a factor in a small number of traffic fatalities. |
2% |
Using devices/controls to operate the vehicleSurprisingly, adjusting things like mirrors or seat belts plays a relatively minor role in distraction-related car accidents. |
1% |
Moving objectsMoving objects in the car such as insects and pets can lead you to take your eyes off the road. |
1% |
Smoking relatedOnly one in a hundred accidents is related to lighting, smoking or putting out a cigarette |
1% |
Though these 10 factors have a vastly different rate of occurrence, what’s interesting is they all have one thing in common. The one factor in every distracted driving accident is drivers paying attention to something other than driving.
So what causes so many drivers to feel they can take their eyes and mind off the road?
There’s a simple but dangerous answer: COMPLACENCY
After you’ve been driving for a while you get comfortable and can forget just how dangerous it can be—because you’re complacent to the risks of driving. As a result, you’re more likely to feel like you can send a quick text or daydream without putting yourself in danger.
Compounding the problem are other states of mind like rushing, frustration and fatigue. These can further contribute to taking your eyes and mind off the task of driving and influence your decisions to do things when driving that increase your risk of a collision.
Sources: