One by one, states have passed laws forbidding drivers from using cellphones and other handheld devices while driving but the problem continues.
A recently-released report by the Travelers insurance group sheds light onto what might be driving the problem. The Washington Post reports that surveys conducted by Travelers ultimately found that drivers are concerned about other people driving distracted, but not so concerned about their own distracted driving habits.
Travelers found that 85 percent of Americans said they were concerned about distracted driving, and more than 50 percent said that they were very concerned about it. Another 89 percent of Americans said they are concerned about being involved in a car accident caused by another distracted driver, while just 31 percent said they are worried that their own distracted driving habits could cause an accident.
As we explained in an article on our website, distracted driving is dangerous no matter who is doing it. You might think that you will be able to send off a text or compose a tweet while driving — and maybe you have done it safely 100 times in the past — but the fact is that these tasks require your attention and take your eyes off of the road, which is enough to cause an accident even if it is only for a second.
In 2012 alone, more than 3,300 people were killed in accidents involving distracted-driving and another 421,000 people were injured, according to the federal data. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that around 660,000 people in the United States are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving at any given time during the daylight hours.
Don’t be one of these people. While we have all felt tempted to read an email or send a text while driving, it is not a risk worth taking. Distracted driving is a problem and the solution begins with you.