Distracted driving is contributing to more and more car accidents in Boston and elsewhere every day. To get a grasp on just how common these types of accident are, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released a report on which types of distraction most affecting drivers. The truth of the matter is that these types of traffic accidents are 100 percent preventable.
This survey truly illustrated just how dangerous and how high the risks are for these serious accidents.
Our Boston car accident lawyers understand that common driver distractions include talking on a cell phone, text messaging, engaging with other passengers, eating, drinking, smoking, messing with the radio, applying make, etc. All of these activities greatly increase your risks of being involved in a potentially fatal accident. To help raise awareness about the problem and make an attempt to curb these distractions, 35 states, Guam and the District of Columbia have enacted some sort of cell phone or text messaging ban for drivers. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone at the wheel in Massachusetts. State law prohibits all drivers from texting while driving.
The National Survey of Distracted Driving Attitudes and Behavior survey recently assessed self-reported behaviors, knowledge and attitudes about distracted driving. More than 6,000 drivers from all 50 states were included in this survey.
Common Distractions Reported:
-The number one distraction reported was talking to other passengers, followed by messing with the vehicle’s radio, eating or drinking, making or taking cell phone calls, interacting with children and using a portable music player.
-Male drivers are more likely to use GPS systems, smartphones and music players than female drivers.
-Women are more likely than men to interact with children or engage in personal grooming at the wheel.
-Male and female drivers are equally as likely to accept or make a phone call, tend to an e-mail or text message behind the wheel.
-Drivers under the age of 25 are roughly 3 times more likely to text message or e-mail at the wheel.
Respondents’ Perception of State Laws:
-Nearly 40 percent of surveyed drivers said that they believe that their state has laws prohibiting drivers from talking on the phone at the wheel.
-Most respondents approved their state’s fines for violating these laws.
-Only 60 percent were able to correctly identify their state’s exact laws.
-Only about 50 percent of surveyed driver said that they felt like they were likely to be ticketed if they used a cell phone, text messaged or e-mailed while driving.
Regardless of which laws are in effect in various states, the truth of the matter is that this behavior is dangerous. Motorists are asked to voluntarily give up distractions at the wheel. Driving with full focus on the roadway can help to prevent your risks of a fatal accident.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a traffic accident in the Greater Boston area or elsewhere in Massachusetts, contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for assistance. Call for a free and confidential consultation at (617) 777-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Boston Teens Practice Safe Driving to Avoid Car Accidents Around the Holidays, Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, December 5, 2011
MassDOT Assists Holiday Travel to Help Prevent Car Accidents in Massachusetts, Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, November 24, 2011