Distractive Driving By: Karley Fiesel & Amber Werner

What is Distracted Driving? Distracted driving is any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing. While all distractions can endanger drivers’ safety, texting is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distraction.

What are the three main types of distraction? The three main types of distractive driving are: Visual – Taking your eyes off the road Visual – Taking your eyes off the road Manual – Taking your hands off the wheel Manual – Taking your hands off the wheel Cognitive – Taking your mind off what you are doing Cognitive – Taking your mind off what you are doing

Other distracting activities include: Using a cell phone Using a cell phone Eating and drinking Eating and drinking Talking to passengers in the vehicle with you Talking to passengers in the vehicle with you Grooming, such as applying makeup or brushing hair Grooming, such as applying makeup or brushing hair Reading, including maps Reading, including maps Using a PDA or navigation system Using a PDA or navigation system Watching a video Watching a video Listening/Changing the radio station, CD, or MP3 player Listening/Changing the radio station, CD, or MP3 player

Facts/Information from 2009 In 2009, there were 30,797 fatal crashes in the United States, which involved 45,230 drivers. In those crashes 33,808 people died. The under-twenty age group had the highest proportion of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes. In 2009, 5,474 people were killed in crashes involving driver distraction. (The numbers have increased since it is now 2011).

State Laws on Distracted Driving 30 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam ban text messaging for all drivers. Twelve of these laws were enacted in 2010 alone.30 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam ban text messaging for all drivers. Twelve of these laws were enacted in 2010 alone. 8 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving.8 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving.Michigan: Ban on texting for all drivers (Primary law).Ban on texting for all drivers (Primary law). In Michigan, teens with probationary licenses whose cell phone usage contributes to a traffic crash or ticket may not use a cell phone while driving.In Michigan, teens with probationary licenses whose cell phone usage contributes to a traffic crash or ticket may not use a cell phone while driving.

Did you know? Research on distracted driving reveals some surprising facts: 20 percent of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving. 20 percent of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving. Of those killed in distracted-driving-related crashed, 995 involved reports of a cell phone as a distraction (18% of fatalities in distraction-related crashes). Of those killed in distracted-driving-related crashed, 995 involved reports of a cell phone as a distraction (18% of fatalities in distraction-related crashes). Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.

Sources: