Data reveals the most common distractions in fatal crashes

May 17, 2013

Distracted driving was a factor in roughly ten percent of the more than 65,000 fatal car accidents that have taken place in the United States during the past two years, Insurance Journal reported on April 4, 2013. The statistics are based on an analysis of federal crash data conducted by Erie Insurance.

To compile the report, researchers examined data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, a national traffic fatality database maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The report also drew on information provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Top 10 fatal distractions

According to the analysis, the top 10 distractions reported in connection with fatal accidents in 2010 and 2011 were:
- Daydreaming or being "lost in thought" (62 percent)
- Cellphone use and texting (12 percent)
- Looking at something outside the vehicle (7 percent)
- Passengers inside the vehicle (5 percent)
- Using or reaching for a device brought into the vehicle, such as a GPS device or MP3 player (2 percent)
- Eating or drinking (2 percent)
- Adjusting the stereo or climate control (2 percent)
- Using other built-in devices, such as mirrors or integrated navigation systems (1 percent)
- Moving objects inside the vehicle, such as pets or insects (1 percent)
- Smoking-related activities, such as lighting, smoking or snuffing out a cigarette (1 percent)

The researchers say they hope these findings will help raise awareness of distracted driving and encourage people to refrain from distracting activities while behind the wheel. The data from the FARS system is based on police reports, which means that it relies heavily on the observations of police officers responding to a crash. Therefore, the actual distraction numbers may be even higher than the report suggests.

Tips for safer driving

To help prevent cellphone-related distractions while driving, the insurer recommends the following tips:
- Let phone calls go to voicemail while driving
- If you receive a call from someone who is driving, ask him or her to call you back later
- Pull over first if you need to talk or text

In addition, parents are advised to teach children the importance of safe driving by setting a good example through their own behavior.

Legal remedies for South Carolina traffic accidents

People who are injured by distracted drivers in South Carolina may wish to speak with a lawyer to learn about the possibility of seeking financial compensation. Depending on the circumstances, South Carolina law may permit injured crash victims to recover compensation for their injuries, lost income, medical bills, rehabilitation and other expenses.

In addition, South Carolina residents who have lost a loved one due to a vehicle accident may be able to recover for their losses, including funeral and medical costs, lost income and support, grief and sorrow, and other harm resulting from the crash. In certain situations where a driver has been extraordinarily reckless, South Carolina law also permits punitive damages to be awarded. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for more information.

Article provided by Rosen Law Firm, LLC
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