U.S. Drivers Don't Realize They Are Distracted and Unsafe
Approximately 115 drivers are involved in auto accidents and killed in the U.S. each day, according to The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. A large percentage of these injury and fatal accidents are caused or contributed to by people driving while distracted, although the exact percentages are impossible to know.
Nationwide Insurance conducted a survey of drivers age 16 to 61 to try to learn more about people driving while distracted, i.e. while talking on a cell phone or sending or receiving a text message on a mobile communication device, and also get their opinions on whether those surveyed thought they were safe drivers. Interestingly, most people said they were safe drivers but also admitted that they often drove while distracted. About half of the people surveyed said driving while using a cell phone or other communication device was the most dangerous distraction to drivers on the roads. About 40% of the younger people surveyed admitted that they use cell phones and communication devices while driving.
Also, about 40% of the people surveyed said they had been in an accident or were almost involved in an accident caused by someone on their cell phone or text messaging. These results are disturbing as they seem to confirm what is fairly obvious- that people who drive while talking on their cell phones or sending or receiving text messages are dangerous drivers more likely to cause an accident. However, the individuals themselves, who are likely some of the same people driving while distracted, still consider themselves safe drivers. There is an obvious disconnect here which likely contributes to the increase in injury and fatal accidents caused by distracted drivers.
