Statistics and Distracted Driving Rachel Wilson AAA Driver Training, Michigan Lead Instructor

Statistics All statistics in the following slides are from iihs.org

 Number of deaths in motor vehicle crashes  1980 – 51,091  1990 – 44,599  2000 – 41,945  2010 – 32,885 Statistics: Motor Vehicle Deaths

 Motor vehicle crash deaths among year-olds by gender  1980 – 73% of deaths were males  1990 – 69% of deaths were males  2000 – 66% of deaths were males  2010 – 65% of deaths were males Statistics: Male vs. Female

 Passenger vehicle occupant and motorcyclist deaths as a percentage of all motor vehicle crash deaths  1980 – 10% of all motor vehicle crash deaths were motorcycles  1990 – 7% of all motor vehicle crash deaths were motorcycles  2000 – 7% of all motor vehicle crash deaths were motorcycles  2010 – 13% of all motor vehicle crash deaths were motorcycles Statistics: Motorcycles

Statistics: Fixed Object Crash  Deaths in fixed object crashes by object struck  Tree – 50%  Utility Pole – 14%  Traffic Barrier – 8%  Embankment – 5%  Ditch – 3%  Culvert – 3%  Fence – 2%  Wall – 2%  Building – 2%  Highway wall support – 2%  Bridge Pier – 2%  Other – 6%

How many people died in 2010 in motor vehicle crashes? 32,885

 Statistics have a place in the driver training classroom and can be a useful learning tool, but they should be used with caution for several reasons:  Statistics often “dumb down” the reality of something and make it seem less real. They are numbers, not people.  Students often forget the actual number associated with statistics, losing its purpose.  When several statistics are given, they all blend together and the impact is lost.  Statistics change frequently. Different studies give us different results and driving behavior and car technology alter crash statistics all the time. Statistics

 An example I like to use in my classroom:  Discuss speed and how it affects reaction time and braking distance.  Understand the formula from AAA’s “Licensed to Learn” that reaction time = 1.5 x rate (unit = feet).  Example is at 20mph, so reaction time = 30’ A better way…

Not Distracted

 How long does it take you to change the radio station or look at your phone to see who is calling? Ask the students

Distracted

 Makes it real.  Students reactions.  Leads into further discussions.  How long does it take to text “LOL”?  How long does it take to dial a phone number?  Their gained understanding allows us to discuss how dangerous phone usage while driving is. Example

 Statistics can be useful.  Don’t rely on statistics to get the message across.  Know when to use them or not.  Think of ways to get the point across differently. In Summary

Rachel Wilson AAA Driver Training Lead Instructor Thank you!