Are cell phone users the most dangerous people on the road?

On Behalf of | Sep 1, 2017 | serious injuries/wrongful death

There are plenty of hazards out on the roads. Drinking and driving often comes to mind, and is certainly dangerous behavior. However, impaired drivers are not the only people you need to watch out for.

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors people exhibit. Many injuries and deaths could be prevented if people put down their phone or other distractions when driving.

What are common distractions?

Part of the reason distracted driving is so common is almost anything can be a distraction. Drivers are supposed to focus on the road, and even small talk with a passenger can pull a driver’s attention from their job. Some common causes of distracted driving include:

  • Cell phones
  • Children or other passengers
  • Food and drink
  • Daydreaming
  • Watching videos or reading

We’ve all seen distracted driving, and you may have even joked about the crazy things you’ve seen drivers do. Distracted driving, however, is no laughing matter.

Distracted driving statistics

The Colorado Department of Transportation tracks distracted driving statistics, and the numbers are jarring:

  • There were 68 deaths and 15,574 accidents caused by distracted drivers in 2015.
  • Nearly 75% of people admit to driving with distractions.
  • Distracted driving deaths have continued to increase the last few years.
  • 37% of distracted driving crashes involved people between 21 and 34 years of age from 2012 to 2014.

We know from the numbers, and anecdotal evidence we observe every day, that distracted driving is dangerous. We also know it continues to happen and contributes to injuries and death on the road.