Distracted Driving is Deadly Driving

By Lionel Valdellon

Distracted drivers account for almost 80% of all crashes and 65% of near-crashes in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A recent study found that text messaging raises the risk of an accident as well. Evidence from studies by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) on truck drivers in actual driving conditions found that the risk of crashes and near-crashes rose 23 times higher for texting truck drivers.

Cell phones are the major culprit since drivers increase their risk of getting into a life-threatening situation when they're calling or texting behind the wheel, but other distractions exist. Watching DVDs, adjusting music devices, looking for physical objects within the car and operating laptops positioned on the passenger seat could all spell disaster.

While many states have passed legislation banning text messaging by drivers and outlawing cell phone usage without a hands-free device, each driver has to make a responsible decision when he or she enters the vehicle. Fewer distracted drivers could improve safety for all drivers.