There are many ways to break down distracted driving statistics. Many of them focus on the big picture, such as considering how many distracted driving accidents happen every year or how many people pass away annually in these crashes.
These numbers can often make it a bit more difficult to fully grasp the situation. An easier way to think about it is to simply look at the fact that nine people die every single day in distracted driving accidents in the United States. That’s the average, so there can be some fluctuation, but this definitely helps to demonstrate how common this issue is. Since the majority of accidents don’t result in fatalities, it’s clear that there are many more distracted driving crashes just leading to injuries.
Why are drivers so distracted?
Drivers are so distracted just because there are many different sources of distraction. Of course, using a cellphone in the car is the number one reason why people get distracted. The development of smartphones has certainly made the roads more dangerous. But drivers can also get distracted by:
- Changing the radio station
- Dealing with pets
- Talking to children
- Talking to passengers
- Looking at a GPS
- Looking at a map
- Adjusting the mirrors
- Reading a billboard
- Daydreaming
- Drinking a cup of coffee
- Eating snacks
- Rubbernecking at accidents
- Picking up dropped items
These are just a few examples, but there are thousands of potential distractions in the car. Those who have been injured by negligent drivers need to know all of the legal steps they can take to seek the compensation they deserve.
