As distracted driving concerns rise due to the growing popularity of smartphone games such as Pokemon Go, the authorities begin releasing official numbers concerning distraction-related accidents. What these numbers prove is that even before the distracting game trend began, distracted driving had already been growing at a steady pace. At least in some parts of the country.
According to a series of news reports, Iowa drivers have never seen as many distracted driving accidents as they saw in 2016 so far.
Up until now, at least 211 traffic fatalities have been associated with distracted driving. If the trend continues in Iowa, the state could see up to 440 fatalities tied to distracted driving until the end of the year, the highest rate since 2007.
Local law enforcement agents claim that this year, things have been worse than usual. And that as he month of August rolls in, typically a very deadly month for traffic collisions, officials expect to see an increase in the number of distracted driving traffic deaths. Last year, Iowa saw 51 traffic fatalities in the month of August alone.
When officials analyzed the number of accidents and their causes, they learned that one of the most common factors behind distracted driving accidents is texting while driving. Not a surprise considering that young, inexperienced drivers are much more likely to be involved in distracted driving accidents associated with texting while driving habits than other groups.
In order to help keep the peace and make sure that drivers are paying attention to the road at all times, the authorities are urging drivers to participate in their educational activities, which could help to bring awareness concerning the distracted driving threat to a greater number of drivers.
If you’re a driver, make sure to have your attention always focused on the road ahead. Distraction, whether it’s associated with phone use or conversations with other occupants, should not be part of your driving routine.
For more on how distracted driving is growing in places like Iowa, follow this link or watch the video below.
