Distracted driving in Georgia is more than just texting while at the wheel. There are many forms of distracted driving, some of which are easier to avoid than others. Unfortunately, distracted drivers cause more accidents on the road each year.
The National Safety Council says on a daily basis, “at least nine Americans die and 100 are injured in distracted driving crashes.” Technological devices from cell phones to the fancy dashboard controls take the attention of the driver away from the road. Even voice commands which often seem less distracting can take away attention from the surroundings outside the vehicle. Those few seconds of time away from the road can cause dire consequences.
TeenSafe focuses on distracted driving statistics with a focus on the teen population. A crash can occur in as little as three seconds when the driver’s attention is not on the road. As new drivers, teens face more distractions than a seasoned driver and the consequences can happen more quickly. Teens die in car crashes more than any other way in the United States.
Non-technological distractions also pose a threat to drivers. Painting nails, eating, changing clothes, shaving and putting on makeup divert the driver’s attention from the road. Distracted drivers act similarly to drunk drivers and often continue the behavior until either caught or involved in an accident.
Reducing distractions within the vehicle can help avoid distracted driving. Placing your phone on do not disturb is one way to reduce the most distracting device in your vehicle. Fewer distractions can help you reduce your chance of an accident.
