|
Distracted Driving – It’s Not Just
the Other Person
By Kristin Backstrom, S2W, Inc.
A study released in April, 2003 found that almost
25% of all crashes are caused by distracted driving. The study
was performed by researchers at University of North Carolina Highway
Safety Research Center and funded by the American Automobile Association
Foundation for Traffic Safety. To get a handle on what drivers
were doing when they were behind the wheel, they installed video
cameras in the cars.
Instead of focusing on the road 100% of the time,
this is what they saw drivers doing:
- 97.1% were reaching for something or leaning away from the
steering wheel
- 91.4% were adjusting the radio or radio controls.
- 71.4% were eating and/or drinking
- 77.1% were carrying on conversations
- 45.7% were grooming
- 44.4% were paying attention to a passenger
- 40% were reading or writing
- 30% were using a cell phone
In some places (like Oregon, for example), it's
illegal to eat and drive. Ridiculous statistic: 17% of all food
consumed away from home is eaten in the car.
At S2W, we recommend keeping your eyes on the road,
and both hands on the wheel. If you are driving and have a passenger,
ask them to adjust the radio, or get out the change for the toll
booth. If you don't have someone with you to help with these sorts
of things, change the CD/radio station when you're at a full stop.
Plan ahead so you don't have to scrounge through your purse or
the ash tray for change.
We also suggest eating/drinking while the car is
STOPPED, and please -- no grooming while behind the wheel. If
nothing else, there's a stereotype we don't need to perpetuate.
For more information on safety strategies while you’re
driving, please visit www.s2w.org.
|
|