Infographic: Distracted Driving Accidents

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Distracted Driving Statistics


How many accidents are caused by distracted driving? How many people have died due to texting while driving? What are some of the other types of distractions that can lead to an auto accident? Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from driving. Whether someone is using their smart phone, putting on makeup, or talking to passengers, when a driver’s focus is not on the road, the chances of an auto accident increase.

Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic. While many distractions exist, cell phone usage tops the list as a major distraction. Over 1.3 million car accidents each year involve the use of cell phones. In a study from AT&T, seventy percent of drivers admit to using their smart phone while operating vehicles. They’re not just sending texts either. People are responding to emails, checking their Facebook status, or using Snapchat.

The average time spent reading one text is five seconds. Looking down at your phone for just five seconds while driving 55-miles-per-hour is the distance equivalent of a football field. Can you imagine many things you can miss in that distance? Think people on bikes, kids chasing balls, or pedestrians walking dogs. Your car keeps moving even when you’re not looking.

Hopefully, you will never be involved in a distracted driving auto accident. But always keep the number of a competent car accident attorney, like David Christensen on speed dial.