Distracted driving continues to increase and with it, the number of crashes and fatalities in West Virginia and around the country. While motorists show concern over the rising trend, they continue to engage in the behavior and take on unnecessary risks.
The increase in distracted driving
According to the 2024 Travelers Risk Index, about 80% of people surveyed expressed their concern over distracted driving. This trend, which has been on the rise for several years, is often connected to the use of technology while behind the wheel. Along with the rise of distracted driving, there has also been a jump in the number of accidents and fatalities, with a 10.5% increase in fatalities in 2021. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates the rise continues at about the same rate.
Survey results
The Travelers survey included the responses of more than 1,000 consumers and business managers. The results showed that many of them had been involved in a car accident, such as 4 in 10 having a close call because they were distracted as they drove. Additionally, 12% admitted that they had been involved in a crash due to their own distracted driving. Finally, about 30% of respondents said that they had been in car accidents due to another driver being distracted.
Causes of distraction
There were several causes of distractions identified by the Travelers survey. These included:
- Checking or participating in social media
- Talking on their cellphone
- Reading or writing emails or texts
- Taking photos or videos with their cell
Distracted driving can have deadly results. It is best to avoid distractions and to focus solely on the act of driving, as it can save lives, including your own.
