Distracted driving has become a pressing issue on American roads in recent years, contributing to a significant increase in deadly accidents. Bader Scott Injury lawyers conducted a comprehensive study using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, and Census Bureau Population Data to understand the impact of distracted driving on the overall fatality rates in the country.
In 2022, there were a staggering 42,514 crash deaths recorded. Out of these fatalities, 3,308, or 7.78%, were caused by distracted driving. Although this figure is slightly higher than the annual average of 3,132, it highlights the alarming number of accidents resulting from this dangerous practice.
Contrary to popular belief that young people are predominantly responsible for distracted driving incidents, the study revealed that only around 6% of distracted driving fatalities involved teenagers. Surprisingly, the largest age group affected by distracted driving was between 20 and 39 years old, accounting for 42% of these tragic accidents. This finding suggests that drivers in their prime years are more susceptible to distractions while behind the wheel.
The study also analyzed the trend in fatalities over time. It was discovered that fatalities due to distracted driving increased by 14% between 2018 and 2022. However, the numbers actually declined slightly from 2011 to 2022, indicating some progress in addressing this issue.
To provide a clear understanding of what constitutes distracted driving, the study adopted the definition provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC categorizes distracted driving into three main types: visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.
Visual distractions occur when drivers divert their attention from the road by looking at things like scenery or rubbernecking at accidents. Manual distractions involve situations where drivers remove their hands from the steering wheel, such as eating, using a phone, or operating a vehicle’s touchscreen. Cognitive distractions occur when drivers are not mentally focused on their driving tasks, including activities like singing along to music, talking on the phone, daydreaming, or experiencing an existential crisis.
In addition to analyzing the impact of distracted driving on national fatality rates, Bader Scott also ranked the best and worst states for this dangerous behavior. The worst states were identified as New Mexico, Kansas, and Louisiana, while Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Alaska were rated as the best. Notably, Rhode Island stood out with a remarkable 0% distracted driving fatality rate.
The findings of this study emphasize the urgent need for increased awareness and stricter measures to address distracted driving. By understanding the various forms of distractions and their impact on different demographic groups, policymakers and law enforcement agencies can develop targeted interventions and educational campaigns to curb this dangerous behavior. Furthermore, highlighting states with exemplary performance in reducing distracted driving fatalities can serve as inspiration and motivation for others to follow suit and enhance road safety across the nation.
