There are various causes of road carnage but there is something that caused a majority of road accidents in 2016. Distraction was the most significant driver error that led in claiming peoples’ lives on public roads last year. Under distraction category, accidents occurred because drivers were distracted by something or they were trying to multitask while behind the wheel.
There is a high likelihood that most of us have tried multitasking when we are driving. Considering that such habits have been linked to higher chances of being involved in a road accident, it is advisable to drop them. According to legal advisors at http://www.zlotolaw.com, other distracted drivers may also be the cause of road accidents that affect us or our loved ones.
Statistics show that thousands of people perish every year due to vehicle accidents as a result of distraction. Moreover, these figures continue to rise. For instance, in America, it is approximated that over 2.5 million people are involved in vehicle accidents every year.
It is believed that an accident is likely to occur every minute due to distracted driving. Such trends are worrying and need to be stopped. We all need to engage in the discussion if we are to end this epidemic. But before that, we need to know and understand what causes distraction when we are driving. Distraction is caused by anything that makes us draw our attention and eyes on the road to attend to that thing. Below are three leading causes of distracted driving in 2016.
Talking and Texting
Drivers who use their phones while they are driving are by far the most distracted. According to the National Safety Council, it is estimated that about 25% of road carnage is as a result of using cell phones while driving. Texting has become a central part of life nearly across the world. Young drivers, especially those under the age of 24 are not only regular text message users but also make up the majority of drivers in fatal road crashes that are resulted from distracted driving.
Naturally, texting involves more physical and mental actions that can take your attention from the road ahead and other potential driving hazards along the road. For instance, instead of focusing on the road ahead, you turn away to your cell phone. In order to compose and send a text, you must use at least one hand to do so. Finally, it is obvious that your mind is no longer concentrated on your driving while trying to understand the text and communicating to others.
Adjusting Music or other Controls
Maybe you are listening to the radio and hear some news; it catches your attention, and you want to adjust the volume to hear it better. Or the temperature is too high, and you need to adjust it. Or maybe your child is screaming at you to put on his favorite music. These may seem like simple things to do but they are among the greatest distractions for drivers. No matter how easy they seem to be, they can make a big difference. The seemingly trivial choices you make while driving could determine whether you will have a smooth ride home or be involved in a road accident.
Talking to Passengers
When driving and you’re with someone in your car or vehicle, it is natural that you will engage in a conversation with them. When you are conversing, it is important to pay attention to the road ahead. This should come as the first priority. Nevertheless, the urge of turning to look at a passenger you are conversing with is indispensable, yet it is a dangerous thing to do while driving.
Those are the common causes of distractive driving in 2016. However, they can be avoided altogether.
