Distracted Driving Month: The Most Common Distractions Behind the Wheel

Chances are, you see absent-minded, distracted and inattentive drivers each time you hit the road. Unfortunately, distractions are easy to come by and prevalent while driving, especially with the addition of new gadgets and technology. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is any activity or action that diverts attention from driving and poses a danger to the driver and others.

In honor of Distracted Driving Month, it is time to look at the most common reasons why fatal distracted driving accidents occur.

• Texting
• Eating
• Drinking
• Reaching for your phone
• Talking to another passenger
• Turning knobs in your car, such as adjusting your temperature controls
• Checking and adjusting your GPS/navigation system
• Adjusting the radio station
• Reaching for objects

Texting may be the most alarming, according to the NHTSA. Reading or sending a text tends to take about five seconds. At 55 mph, that equates to driving an entire football field with your eyes closed. In 2016, texting behind the wheel led to 3,450 deaths. Unfortunately, measuring these types of behavior can be difficult; therefore, this number is much, much higher. 

Distracted driving can easily lead to an accident. Focus on the road and remember to take another look in the rearview mirror.