Would you drive along Birmingham’s Interstate 65 at 55 mph with your eyes closed? Would you if you only had to drive with your eyes closed for 100 yards?
You probably answered both of these questions the same way: “Absolutely not!” However, if you’ve ever checked your phone or read a text while driving on a highway, you’ve essentially already done it. Experts note that in the five or so seconds it takes to look at your phone, a car going 55 mph will travel 100 yards – the same length as a professional football field. Imagine the damage that could happen within that distance.
The problem of distracted driving is not new. A number of local and national campaigns have tried to alert drivers to the dangers of splitting focus behind the wheel. Yet, many drivers still choose to be distracted while driving.
This article looks at distracted driving statistics. It uses the numbers to explain why distracted driving is so dangerous. After reading it, drivers will have a better ability to protect themselves, their passengers, and everyone on the road.
What is Distracted Driving?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as “any activity that diverts attention from driving.” The NHTSA places distractions in three categories. These are:
- Visual. These distractions require a person to take their eyes off the road.
- Manual. These activities take a driver’s hands off the steering wheel.
- Cognitive. These behaviors take the driver’s mind or focus away from driving.
These categories can combine. For example, looking at a text on your phone is a visual, cognitive, and manual distraction. Your eyes are on the phone instead of the road, your mind is paying attention to the phone instead of traffic, and at least one hand is taken off the wheel to hold the phone.
Common Types of Distracted Driving
Many common activities can distract drivers. Here are some examples of each category. (Remember, however, that distractions can combine two or even three categories.)
Visual distractions
- Looking at a phone
- Checking directions on GPS or a map
- Glancing at your car’s information or entertainment display
- Looking at passengers or pets
- Watching a video
- Looking at billboards, accidents, or scenery
- Reaching for items in the passenger seat or back seat
- Adjusting mirrors while driving
- Checking makeup, hair, or face in the rearview mirror
Manual Distractions
- Typing on a phone
- Holding, unwrapping, or eating food
- Holding or drinking from a cup, mug, or bottle
- Applying makeup, lip balm, or other personal products
- Lighting a cigarette or vape
- Turning knobs or buttons on the console or dashboard
- Touching the touchscreen
- Plugging in or attaching chargers to electronics
- Passing food or toys to children or pets
Cognitive distractions
- Daydreaming
- Talking to passengers
- Having a phone conversation
- Driving while experiencing strong emotions
- Talking to a digital assistant like Alexa or Siri
A final note: Since 2023, Alabama has made it illegal to hold a phone while driving. While hands-free laws can help drivers avoid manual distractions, the conversation itself can still be a distraction.
How Dangerous Is Distracted Driving?
In 2023, the NHTSA reported that distracted driving killed 3,275 people and injured nearly 325,000 more. These numbers mean that distracted driving was responsible for about 8% of all fatal accidents. While that might not seem like a large number, it makes distracted driving the third leading cause of fatal crashes, just behind speeding and driving under the influence.
The picture is similar here in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Transportation found that distraction was the primary cause behind 65 traffic deaths in 2024, making it one of the top causes of traffic fatalities in our state. Worse, a 2023 report by USAA ranked Alabama fourth in the nation for distracted driving accidents.
How Distracted Driving Increases Your Accident Risk
Many distracting activities may not seem like a big deal. But even a “minor” distraction can greatly raise your accident risk. Researchers at Virginia Tech found that sending a message made an accident 23.2 times more likely than driving without distraction. Here’s how the NHTSA ranked some other common distractions. (The increased risk is in parentheses after the distraction, e.g., “Sending a text (23.2x).”)
- Dialing a phone (12.2x)
- Reading or writing (9.9 x)
- Reaching for an object (9.1x)
- Looking at objects outside the car (7.1x)
- Interacting with infotainment console (4.6x)
- Adjusting climate controls (2.3 x)
- Eating or drinking (1.8x)
These numbers prove that even the “safest” distraction can nearly double your risk of a crash.
How Alabama Drivers Can Stay Focused
While there are many types of distractions, there are also many ways to avoid them. Here are some tips:
- Silence and stow your phone before driving
- Put your phone in “driving mode”
- Set your GPS and playlists before starting the car
- Do not multitask while driving
- Ask a passenger to handle kids or pets
- Don’t drive while experiencing strong emotions
- Pull over if you have to send a text or answer a call
These small actions can protect your family and save lives.
Conclusion — Focus Is the Best Safety Feature You Have
Today’s cars have wonderful tech like back-up and lane assist cameras, automatic emergency braking, and intelligent speed assistance. But a car’s best and most important safety feature is – and has always been – a careful, focused driver.
If you or someone you love was injured by a distracted driver, you have legal rights. If you need help protecting your rights, contact Collins Law. Our car accident lawyers will take you through the claim process and do everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve. Call 205-588-1411 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
