While the average person likely thinks of texting or talking on a cellphone when the phrase “distracted driving” is mentioned, there are many different types of distractions that may negatively impact a driver’s concentration. Scanning radio stations, adjusting the vehicle’s control knobs, reading, conversing with a passenger, or simply focusing on thoughts other than driving are all examples of distractions.
According to the most recent figures released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10 percent of fatal crashes, 18 percent of injury crashes, and 16 percent of all motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2012 were reported as distraction-affected crashes.1 Although overall traffic fatalities dropped in the following year (2013), there were still 3,154 people killed and an estimated additional 424,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.2
