We all know that distracted driving accidents are all too common. But perhaps, what we may not be aware of is that drivers admit to being distracted often.
According to a recent survey, 54 percent of respondents admitted they had used their phones to text while behind the wheel. But while this number is shocking, it’s not the only revealing data.
At least 41 percent of respondents said they read text messages while stuck in traffic and eight percent claimed they watched YouTube videos while behind the wheel.
In addition, 18 percent said they used their phones to check social media posts and 11 percent admitted to texting while operating their vehicles in traffic.
According to researchers, these numbers prompt them to question whether distracted driving is becoming more of a danger than intoxicated driving.
In 2015, nearly 400,000 people were injured due to distracted driving accidents. In the following year, at least 3,450 people died under the same circumstances. Because these numbers appear to be increasing, it’s clear that drivers are more distracted than they should.
When your attention is not focused on the road ahead and driving itself, you’re more likely to crash. What happens is that your response time is drastically shortened when you’re not paying attention. The fact so many drivers admit to texting while driving should concern anyone who’s worried about safety.
Reckless Driving: Beyond Distraction
If you are one of the many drivers who admits to using your phone while behind the wheel. you’re in trouble. There are legal and potentially deadly consequences to these actions.
Washington State Patrol agents are always on the lookout for distracted drivers. If you hold your phone or use it while behind the wheel, you will be pulled over. And the infraction will lead to citations.
For more on this survey and how many drivers admit to the practice, follow this link.
