What were 80 percent of drivers doing in the moments before a crash?
Most drivers will do whatever they can to avoid a crash. Fortunately, one of the most effective things a driver can do to avoid a crash isn’t difficult at all. It simply involves keeping your eyes on the road.
According to The 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2006, 80 percent of car accidents involved the driver looking away from the road right before the accident occurred. Similarly, 65 percent of near-crashes involved the driver looking away from the road right before the accident.
When a driver’s eyes are not on the road, an accident can happen. And the results can be catastrophic.
There are many types of distractions that can take a driver’s eyes off of the road. Let’s take a look at some of them:
- Sending a text message while driving
- Talking on the phone while driving
- Navigating a GPS while driving
- Using an app while driving
- Taking a photo or video while driving
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Applying makeup while driving
- Turning to talk to vehicle passengers while driving
Any of these actions can take a driver’s attention and eyes off of the road. Eliminating distractions is the only answer to the distracted driving epidemic. Every driver has a responsibility to pay attention on the road. Lives depend on it.
Schedule a free case review: If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys: (800) 242-2962.