NSC: Ending Distracted Driving is Everyone’s Responsibility

The National Safety Council (NSC) is currently raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, and they want people to know that Distracted Driving is Everyone’s Responsibility. The NSC is quick to point out that there are many different types of distractions behind the wheel, but texting and cell phones are some of the top distractions for U.S. drivers.    

They’re calling on employers to take an active role in discouraging distracted driving by employees, and they’re also getting the word out about technological advances that may help to prevent distracted driving. Overall, the message is that everybody needs to start taking an active stand against distracted driving.   

Distracted Driving by The Numbers  

  • In 2019, nine percent of fatal crashes were reported as being distraction-affected crashes.  
  • 15 percent of injury crashes and 15 percent of all police-reported motor vehicle crashes were also reported as distraction-affected in 2019.
  • There were 3,142 people killed in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2019.
  • In 2019, an estimated 424,000 people were injured in distracted driving crashes.
  • In 2019, there were 566 nonoccupants (pedestrians, cyclists and others) killed in distracted driving crashes.   

Hands-Free Isn’t Necessarily Safer  

It’s also important to point out that just because you’re utilizing “hands-free” technology, that doesn’t mean that you’re not distracted driving. There is some data to show that hands-free technology isn’t necessarily safer than handheld. This is because even if you’re not being visually or manually distracted by looking at your phone or holding it, you’re still cognitively distracted. Cognitive distractions are also a form of distracted driving, and can be just as dangerous. 

Put Down Your Phone and Get to Your Destination Safely  

The most important thing you can do in 2022 is make a commitment to distraction-free driving. This means putting your phone down when you’re behind the wheel. Put it in the backseat, and turn the ringer off. Whatever the call or text is, it can wait. It’s not worth risking your safety or the safety of others.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a distracted driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.