April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and as personal and commercial auto liability premiums continue to climb, driver responsibility takes on greater meaning.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving caused 3,142 fatalities in 2019[1] — and in 2020, the U.S. experienced the highest roadway fatalities rate in 15 years despite fewer commuters on the road due to the pandemic. Officials attributed the increase to open roads leading to higher speeds and deadlier crashes.[2]
Phone use a major culprit
While driver distractions include eating and drinking, talking to passengers and adjusting entertainment or navigation systems, as many as one in every five car crashes can be directly tied to a phone-related distraction.[3] And perhaps more telling, 27% of drivers involved in a crash were using their phone within a minute of impact.[4]
With a growing number of distractions, follow these simple safety best practices:
Use your cell phone for emergencies only. Texting while driving is illegal in the majority of U.S. states, but remains one of the most common driver distractions. Many smartphones have a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” functionality — use this feature or keep your phone hidden while driving to avoid the temptation of answering a call or responding to a text.
Keep your eyes on the road. Taking your eyes off the road for even two seconds can double your risk of being involved in an accident.[5] The road is no place for multi-tasking. If another activity requires your attention, pull off the road and stop your vehicle.
Secure your children and pets. The quick movement of a passenger or animal inside the vehicle will distract the driver from the road. When traveling with children or pets, make sure they are secure before leaving and if they need your attention while traveling, stop the car in a parking lot or to the side.
Complete your morning routine before your morning commute. Set your alarm earlier if you need more time in the morning to prepare for the day. Don’t eat breakfast, shave or do your makeup in the car.
Prepare for the trip, including directions and entertainment. Before setting off, adjust the climate controls, pick a radio station or podcast, and have directions worked out — you should never check your phone for directions as you drive.
Admit when it’s time to rest. Drowsiness equals danger on the road, diminishing driver attention, judgement, coordination and reaction time. It is estimated that drowsiness is involved in approximately 21% of fatal car crashes every year.[6] Common signs include daydreaming, poor recall of the last few miles, tailgating and hitting rumble strips. Don’t push your luck behind the wheel if you’re tired.
Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a great time for additional advisement around safe driving for your family, or guidance and programs for your business’s employees that are behind that wheel, contact HUB Risk Services today
[1]National Highway Traffic Safety Association, “Distracted Driving,” accessed March 26, 2021.
[2]Streets Blog USA, “Road Fatality Rates Reach Highest Level in 15 Years,” October 1, 2020.
[3]Hunter Watson, “Distracted Driving Has Increased During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” December 18,2020.
[4]Streets Blog USA, “Distracted Driving Skyrocketing During the Pandemic,” December 3, 2020.
[5]Automobile Association of America, “The Risks of Distracted Driving,” accessed March 26, 2021.
[6] Sleep Foundation, "Driving While Drowsy Can Be As Dangerous As Driving While Drunk" accessed January 15, 2021