Text Messaging is Just One Problem For Distracted Drivers
The Utah Legislature is currently debating different proposals to ban text-messaging for drivers. While a text-message ban will certainly reduce the amount of distracted driving, irresponsible drivers will still pose a threat to the roadways. A recent article from MSN News reported on astonishing statistics of distracted driving. GMAC Insurance conducted a survey of 5000 drivers across the United States. Amazingly, 8% of respondents admitted to changing their clothes while driving! In other surveys, respondents admitted to shaving their legs and applying makeup at the same time. Distracted driving is responsible for 25% of all accidents in the United States and it seems as if drivers continually find new ways of distracting themselves. One reported accident in California was caused by a driver doing bicep curls while in heavy traffic. Another accident in Canada was caused by a driver who was attempting to eat a bowl of cereal while behind the wheel. No matter the task involved, distracted driving is dangerous to the roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently conducted a study, analyzing 42,300 hours of driving data. Researchers discovered that drivers are two to three times more likely to get in a crash if they are involved in multitasks such as applying makeup, shaving, or studying a map.
When making your daily commute, please consider your own safety and the safety of the drivers around you. Hang up your phone, put the makeup away, and focus on the road. We all have an important role in keeping our roads safe. For more information on distracted and “intexticated” driving, please visit our website’s library.
