The Facts You Should Know About Distracted Driving

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Manchester Honda wants to remind you of the dangers of driving distracted. Between 2012-2017, nearly 20,000 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, there were 3,166 people killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2017.  Here are the facts that you should know about distracted driving.

Distracted Driving Facts

-Drivers talking on their cell phones are four times more likely to crash (that includes talking on hands-free devices.) If you are texting behind the wheel, you are 23 times more likely to crash. Drivers turning around in their seats or reaching for moving objects are nearly nine times more likely to crash.

-Taking your eyes off the road for five seconds at 55 mph is the same as driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

-Many young drivers do not realize how dangerous driving distracted can be. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 20% of drivers age 18-20 and 30% of drivers age 21-34 claimed texting does not affect their driving.

-In the state of Connecticut, anyone found to be in violation of the state law – of using their cell phone or electronic device while driving – will be subject to a fine starting at $150 for first-time offenders.

-Drivers who are 16 or 17 years of age are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device at anytime in Connecticut – even with a hands-free accessory.

-The human brain cannot do two things at the same time. Driving and talking on your cell phone, for example, makes your brain switch between two tasks and slows your reaction time.

-Even texting at stoplights can be distracting. A recent AAA study found that people are distracted up to 27 seconds after they finish sending a voice text.

-Drivers talking on the their handheld or hands-free devices can fail to see 50% of their surroundings.

-The National Safety Council estimates that 25% of crashes involves cell phones.

Safety Tips for Driving

-If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.

-Designate your passenger as your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.

-Cell phone use is habit forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Put the cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.