Despite danger, drivers continue to drive distracted

On Behalf of | Feb 7, 2013 | Car Accidents

Everyone knows the dangers of distracted driving but car accidents continue to happen. Despite drivers recognizing the risks associated with distracted driving, many continue to still engage in risky driving behaviors, according to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Researchers said that many drivers who know about the risks of distracted driving continue to use their cellphone while they drive and other dangerous behaviors because they don’t think it will cause them to be in a car accident.

The AAA reported that roughly 3,000 people are killed every year and 500,000 people are injured every year in distracted driving car accidents. The AAA cited that many drivers have a misguided attitude regarding distracted driving, saying that many drivers say that they know about the dangers but they continue to drive distracted.

The study said that many drivers who have this attitude are younger drivers. Researchers said that more needs to be done to prevent distracted driving car accidents, including raising awareness among drivers as well as passing additional laws to prevent unsafe driving behaviors.

AAA said that they will continue to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving and what steps drivers can take to prevent this unsafe driving behavior. They also said they will try and lobby for stronger distracted driving laws throughout the country.

In Ohio, texting while driving is a secondary offense. This means that police officers can only ticket someone for texting while driving if they are pulled over for a different traffic offense. The AAA said that making texting while driving a primary offense would help stop distracted driving and decrease car accidents.

Source: Whiz News, “Do As I Say, Not As I Do, Attitude Among Drivers,” Jan. 29, 2013

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