Roseville PD Safety First: Distracted driving impacts

Distracted driving affects our roads

Roseville, Calif. – Distracted driving is a leading cause of auto-related injuries, roseville bd Little residents in this installment of safety first. Some insightful data points from NHTSA Along with some practical tips for safer driving wherever your travels take you.

With warmer weather finally returning and residents taking to highways and byways in greater numbers, Roseville PD shares a following we can all learn a little from.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the latest data reveals distracted driving

• More than 400,000 motorists have been injured in accidents caused by distracted driving and 2,800 deaths have occurred as a result.
• Drivers reported being 30% more distracted than they were asked about in the previous year.
• Intermittent driving highs at night between 6:00pm and 11:00pm.
• Distracted driving was a recorded factor in 8.1% of fatal car crashes.
• 42% of high school students in the US admitted that they text or email while driving.
• Approximately 20% of injuries that occur in car accidents involve distracted driving.
• Drivers are distracted with their phones at least 10% of their driving time.

The ringing cell phone, the kids fighting, or the spilled cup of coffee: no one is immune from distractions. The average curb weight is around 5,000 pounds. When you mix distractions with a vehicle on the road, you are distracted driving. Distracted driving can occur when something distracts you from the task of safe and alert driving.

According to the CDC – Injury Center, there are three basic types of distractions

mental or cognitive When the driver’s mind is focused on something besides driving. This can include talking to another passenger, thinking about something upsetting, road rage, daydreaming, or being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Visible – When the driver looks at something other than what is in front of him on the road. This can include searching for items on the floor of the car, checking and adjusting the GPS, changing the radio station, adjusting the climate control, enjoying the view, applying makeup, and of course texting or calling on your mobile phone.

manual – When one or both hands are removed from the steering wheel. This can include eating and drinking, adjusting your child’s seatbelt, smoking, rummaging through your wallet or purse, or turning the handlebars in your car.

There are things you can do to make sure you drive as safely as possible.

Here are some simple ways to reduce distractions while driving

• Keep your eyes on the road.
• Stop to read directions.
• Put your phone in Do Not Disturb mode.
• Keep your phone out of reach.
• Make all adjustments before driving.
• Do not reach for items while driving.
• Avoid phone calls, even without using hands.
• Stay focused on the road.
• Keep your emotions under control.

Distracted driving is a major cause of car-related injuries. Satisfaction can be a huge factor. Many accidents happen near or around your home because of your familiarity with the surroundings. Do your best to stay focused on the task of driving safely and you’ll be able to respond more quickly, be in a better position to think clearly when a response is needed, and potentially identify a distraction before it becomes a problem.

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