en en en en id en en en en en en en en en it en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en
Driving while distracted is extremely dangerous and accounts for 3,328 traffic deaths in 2013 alone according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Additionally, approximately 421,000 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted driving stories underscore the importance of standing up against distracted driving.
Distracted Driving Stories and Impact
There are three types of driving distractions that can deter a driver’s attention away from the road: manual, visual and cognitive.
Manual distractions take your hands away from the steering wheel, while visual distractions happen when you take your eyes away from the road. Cognitive distractions are distractions that cause your mind to wander and force you to think about tasks other than driving.
All of these types of distractions put you, other drivers and pedestrians at risk of injury or even death. This is particularly true for activities like texting and driving, since they require visual, manual and cognitive attention while driving. For example, in the average time that it takes to check a text message, drivers can travel the distance of a football field in a car going at least 55 mph without looking at the road, which is extremely dangerous.
Distracted driving stories and incidents are troubling and it’s still a major problem that we together can address. Ninety percent of drivers agreed that distracted driving is dangerous in a survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. However, more than one-third of the same people admitted to reading or sending text messages and emails while driving.
Distracted Driving Stories and Prevention
The stories of distracted driving affecting thousands of people across the U.S. are tragic, especially because distracted driving can be prevented. There are several ways you can prevent distracted driving:
Make a Pledge Against Distracted Driving: Pledge to stop distracted driving and motivate others to join with you in the fight against distracted driving. Be sure to tell your friends and family about your pledge, or announce it on social media to hold yourself accountable for safe driving.
Rate and Report Distracted Driving Incidents: Report distracted drivers you see on the road using our rate and report forum. Tell us about the incident or browse recent incidents from other concerned citizens like you.
Send an Anonymous Email to a Distracted Driver: Do you have friends or family members who are notoriously distracted drivers? Send them our Wreck-less Checklist via email or anonymously through our website.
Spread the Word and Raise Awareness about Distracted Driving: To stop distracted driving, we need to raise awareness and educate drivers about the dangers and consequences. Talk to your friends and family about the importance of paying attention while on the road to keep them and others safe.
With your help, we can end distracted driving and save thousands of lives across the U.S. Don’t become another one of the tragic distracted driving stories—stop distracted driving now and make our roads a better place for everyone.