Law enforcement and safety advocates have warned drivers not to text and drive for several years. Yet, distracted driving still remains one of the leading causes of serious and fatal crashes. Distracted driving can include any activity that involves visual, manual, or cognitive distraction. In 2018, more than 2,800 people in the United States were killed in crashes caused by distracted driving, according to the NHTSA. These deaths were only recorded from confirmed distracted driving cases where drivers either admitted to it or left behind physical or digital evidence.
Why hasn't distracted driving become less of a problem?
Indiana's hands-free law recently took effect, meaning that drivers are no longer allowed to hold or handle cellphones while driving for any reason. There are only two exceptions:- A cellphone is connected to a hands-free device or voice-activated control.
- A cellphone is used to call 911 or for emergency purposes.
- Texting and driving — 24%
- Dealing with GPS navigation — 20%
- Dealing with kids in the car — 16%
- Talking on a cellphone — 11%
- Adjusting the radio or music streaming — 11%
- Adjusting heater or A/C knobs — 8%
- Eating — 5%
- Texting and driving. 11% said they texted while driving daily, another 12% said they did it 3 or 4 times per week
- Taking selfies while driving. 35% of those who admitted to taking selfies while driving said they did it because they looked especially good that day. Another 30 percent said they were on their way to a special occasion.
- Taking pictures while driving. 46% of those who admitted taking pictures while driving said they did it because of the majestic view. Another 38% said they were documenting severe weather and 20% were documenting car accidents that they weren't involved in.