Study reports daydreaming main cause of distracted driving

May 18, 2013

Study reports daydreaming main cause of distracted driving

Article provided by Stoops & LaCourse PLLC
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Car accidents are traumatizing experiences, especially those that involve young victims. Unfortunately, distracted driving is most prevalent among young drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association website on distracted driving, approximately 16 percent of distracted driving related crashes involve drivers under age 20. Additionally, around 11 percent of drivers under age 20 involved in fatal crashes are allegedly distracted when the crash occurs.

Approximately 62 percent of drivers report being "lost in thought"

It is often assumed that talking on a cell phone or texting are the main causes of distracted driving. However, Fox News reports that a new study has determined that simple daydreaming is actually the top cause of distracted driving.

The study, performed by the Erie Insurance Company, was conducted in conjunction with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It specifically found that over 6,000 fatal, distracted driving related accidents occurring in 2010 and 2011 were caused by daydreaming.

The data was discovered through police reports, which revealed that 62 percent of drivers reported being "lost in thought" when the accident occurred. In contrast, only 12 percent claimed to be using a cell phone. Because of the surprising results, the insurance company cautions individuals to be aware that the data comes from the words of accident victims and judgment of police officers involved.

Distracted driving is any activity that shifts a driver's attention from the road

Tragic accidents can be avoided by not engaging in activities that constitute distracted driving. Distracted driving is a very serious safety problem. Anytime a driver takes his or her eyes off the road they are engaging in distracted driving.

Aside from daydreaming, some key distractions that shift a driver's attention away from the road include:
-Texting
-Talking on a phone or to other passengers
-Eating or drinking
-Adjusting a radio

Even activities that appear acceptable, such as reading maps or using a navigation system qualify as distracting activities. Texting is one of the most serious causes of distracted driving because it involves simultaneous manual, visual and cognitive distraction.

The NHTSA website on distracted driving estimates that sending a text takes approximately 4.6 seconds. For a driver traveling 55 miles per hour, this is the same as driving the length of a football field while blindfolded. Some people simply may not know about the dangers of distracted driving. However, it is more likely that drivers are aware of the dangers but feel that they can "beat the odds."

Additionally, most people lead busy lives and may feel that their phone enables them to stay connected to their families or workplace while driving. On a typical day, it is estimated that there are around 800,000 vehicles on the road containing drivers using a hand held cell phone.

The car accidents that result from distracted driving may be costly. These crashes can result in the injured motorists struggling with medical bills and lost wages, as well as the possibility of substantial pain and suffering. An individual involved in an accident with a distracted driver should consult an experienced personal injury attorney. The attorney can help protect important rights and help fight for all available compensation.