Survey reveals drivers’ distracted driving factors
The insurance company Assurance conducted a survey to find out what distracts drivers the most, including commercial vehicle drivers.
What is the most distracting driver behind the wheel?
• GPS check (56.1%): Tracking directions or entering destinations without first parking can impair drivers’ ability to focus on the road.
• Interaction with passengers in the vehicle (54.8%): Engaging in emotional discussions can detract from driving and compromise situational awareness.
• Eating (37.5%): Eating or snacking while driving can be a dangerous distraction as drivers pick up food and divert their attention from the road.
• Interacting with children in the vehicle (21.1%): talking, disciplining children or meeting their needs can be a distraction and increase the risk of accidents.
• Texting and emailing (19.2%): Typing, reading or sending text messages distracts the driver’s attention visually, cognitively and manually, greatly increasing the likelihood of collisions.
• Making a phone call (18.1%): Using handheld devices to make calls requires visual and cognitive attention, leading to distraction while driving and reduced reaction times.
• Grooming and applying make-up (11.9%): Styling your hair or touching up your make-up can take your attention off the road and increase the risk of accidents.
• Checking social media (7.4%): Browsing social media or posting updates takes attention away from the road, impairing the driver’s ability to anticipate and respond to traffic situations.
Nearly half of the respondents signaled to another driver who was texting or looking at his phone while driving.
About one in five Americans don’t even know if their state has a law against texting while driving.
Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming were excluded from the analysis due to the absence of respondents from these states.
