Distracted driving is one of the most common factors in motor vehicle crashes and fatal crashes. That’s why in this blog post, we’ll explore key information about the dangers of distracted driving.
We’ll discuss what qualifies as distracted driving, the three main types, and how these distractions lead to accidents. Distracted driving statistics on national and state-level fatalities caused by distracted driving, especially in Texas, will be highlighted.
Finally, we’ll cover practical tips to avoid distractions.
Let’s begin.
1. What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is the performance of any action that takes a driver’s attention away from the road.
Accidents where driver distractions are a contributing factor account for 12% of injury crashes and 8% of fatal collisions, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In this same report, the authors note that distracted driving can include any of the following elements:
- Cognitive Distractions such as being lost in thought or daydreaming
- Talking with passengers or attending to children
- Eating, drinking, or smoking/vaping
- Self-grooming
- Listening to music, podcasts, or radio shows
- Manipulating music or temperature controls
- Looking at traffic, accidents, or landmarks outside the vehicle
- Moving objects in the vehicle, such as a dropped item or pet
- Reaching for objects on the floor or in the backseat
- Road raging at other drivers
By far, the most common distraction involves the use of cell phones.
Most states have passed distracted driving laws, including Texas. In Texas the use of portable wireless communication devices while operating a vehicle.
Drivers in Texas must use hands-free options or face fines unless they can prove they need to use the phone in an emergency situation.
2. There Are 3 Types of Distracted Driving
Despite the range of activities that can take a driver’s mind and focus off the other vehicles around them, most of these actions can fall into three main groups:
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions occur when a driver takes their eyes off the road by engaging in activities such as texting, looking at directions on a smartphone, or looking in the mirror.
Even if you think you are watching the road as you are trying to find something inside a bag or elsewhere in the car, you are likely to look away for at least a few seconds.
The same is true when you are adjusting the temperature in the car, changing the volume on the stereo, or scrolling through music apps.
Manual Distractions
Manual DistractionsManual distractions occur when a driver takes their hands off of the car’s steering wheel to do anything other than driving. This can include texting, tending a child or pet, lighting a cigarette or using a vape, or handing something to a person in the backseat.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions occur when a driver takes their mind off of the task of driving by texting, speaking to a passenger in their car or someone on the phone, or even using a hands-free device.
Drivers may mentally “check out” during a long road trip or their daily commute, reducing their reaction time to unexpected events that could lead to a crash.
Other distractions include experiencing any strong emotion while driving, especially road rage or having upsetting conversations behind the wheel. In addition, drivers may have a lowered attention span when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, excessively tired, or sleepy.
In fact, the National Sleep Foundation reports that being awake for 17-19 hours affects your reaction time in the same way having a 0.5% blood alcohol level does.
3. National Distracted Driving Fatalities Are Increasing
The National Security Council quotes numbers from an NHTSA study showing 3,308 traffic fatalities where distracted driving actions played a part in 2022.
Unfortunately, the chance of being hurt by a distracted driver is rising across the nation.
4. In Texas, Distracted Driving Causes Almost One-Fifth of All Vehicle Accidents Each Year
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), one in six accidents resulted from distracted driving, killing almost 400 people in the state in 2023 alone.
Even though the Texas Hands Free law has prohibited drivers from reading, writing, or sending any form of electronic messages on cell phones while driving since September 1, 2017, distracted drivers still cause serious accidents.
5. It Only Takes Five Seconds for a Car Crash to Occur Once a Driver Loses Focus on the Road
When driving, a person paying attention to the road will typically exhibit high levels of concentration and quick reaction times.
However, the NHTSA’s discussion of distracted driving dangers shows that if a driver’s attention is taken away from the road at all, they can travel the length of a football field at 55 mph in just five seconds.
Reading a text message or e-mail can easily take a driver’s eyes off the road for that amount of time, increasing their likelihood of getting into a serious crash.
6. Parents With Young Children in the Car Are More Likely to Be Distracted When Driving
6. Parents With Young Children in the Car Are More Likely to Be Distracted When DrivingHaving young children in the car can be incredibly distracting.
According to a paper published in the National Library of Medicine, drivers traveling with minor children are up to 7.2 times more likely to cause a single-vehicle accident than those traveling alone or with other adults.
Make sure children are secured in their car seats safely and have everything they need for the drive before beginning your trip.
7. Texting While Driving Is More Likely to Cause a Car Accident Than Drunk Driving
Distracted driving statistics show drivers who text and drive are six times more likely to crash their vehicles compared to drunk drivers.
This is a terrifying statistic, as it is well-known that drunk driving is incredibly dangerous and can be fatal.
Cell phone use has become an integral part of everyone’s daily lives, but using them while driving can be just as dangerous as driving drunk.
8. Over One-Fifth of Teen Car Accidents Involve Distracted Driving
Young drivers are at high risk of causing distracted driving accidents. Many high school students are glued to their cell phones and would not be caught outside of the house without them. Social media, texting with friends, driving with friends, and playing games are all major sources of dangerous driving behavior for teen drivers.
The NHTSA reported that 7% of 2022’s fatal auto accidents involved teenagers aged 15 to 19.
This statistic is even worse when looking at national teen causes of death, as vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens in the United States.
9. A Distracted Driving Ticket Can Cause Your Car Insurance Rates to Skyrocket
All Texas drivers are required to have car insurance, as described in the Texas Department of Insurance auto coverage guide.
If a driver in Texas is caught driving while texting and receives a ticket, their car insurance premium can skyrocket.
This can seriously impact a driver’s budget and their ability to support their family at home. Driving while distracted is not worth the danger it brings to the road or the cost of a ticket if caught.
10. Steps for Safe Driving and Preventing Distracted Driving Accidents
Houston drivers know what Houston auto accident statistics bear out: No matter how safely you operate your vehicle, you are always at risk of being hurt when someone else on the road is negligent or careless.
Remove the Temptation to Use Your Phone While Driving
Many new vehicles have heads-up or dashboard displays that connect to your phone and allow you to use your device hands-free.
While this allows you to obey the letter of the law, when you keep glancing at the display to see incoming notifications, you are still distracted long enough to miss an unexpected lane change by another driver.
The best option is to turn your phone off or set an auto-reply to let others know you’re driving.
You should also set up your podcast, playlist, or other audio entertainment choices prior to putting the vehicle in gear.
If possible, put the phone out of sight in the center console compartment or glove box so you aren’t tempted to sneak a peek in a traffic jam or at a stoplight.
Pull Over and Stop if You Must Make a Call or Send a Text
If you need to check in with someone, look at your incoming messages, or make a call, find a safe place off the road to do so.
Parking and focusing on the device when you don’t have to keep an eye on your surroundings can be a welcome break for your mind and body. Be sure to choose a location that is safe, out of traffic, and legal.
If you are in an emergency situation, you can make a call. However, it’s crucial that it be a true emergency, or you may face a ticket if law enforcement officials see you holding or using the phone.
Set Your GPS App Before You Get on the Road
Using GPS on your phone or a dedicated device doesn’t give you a pass on planning your route before you leave. Input your destination, verify it’s accurate, and look it over so you have a basic idea of the roads and turns.
Be prepared for re-routing in the event of traffic jams or road construction, and be sure you can see your GPS without handling your phone.
Review the directions whenever you stop for a break.
Rest Up and Take a Break When You’re Sleepy
The AAA Traffic Safety Foundation found as many as 21% of fatal traffic accidents happen when drivers are too sleepy behind the wheel.
Whether you worked an overnight shift and are driving home in morning traffic or taking an extended road trip, you put yourself, your passengers, and everyone on the road at risk of serious injuries when you drive while exhausted or drowsy.
Change drivers if you have other trustworthy adults in the car with you, or pull over to rest and refresh yourself in safe locations. If you are alone, don’t push through to your destination. Stop and get a hotel room so you can start fresh again after sleeping.
Focus on the Road When You Have Passengers
It’s important to maintain your attention on driving rather than being distracted by your passengers.
While talking with your companions can keep you awake during a long trip, it’s best to avoid stressful or emotional conversations.
If you encounter severe weather or road construction, ask everyone in the vehicle to remain quiet so you can concentrate on driving.
Get Help From a Houston Car Accident Attorney After a Distracted Driving Crash
When you or someone you know has been hurt by a distracted driver, you may have a valid injury claim for compensation based on their negligence or carelessness.
Houston car accident attorney Dax F. Garza can listen to your circumstances and explain your legal options
