Dangers of Distracted Driving

Summer is here, and that means extra-packed roads with vacationers. Therefore, ensuring that your eyes stay on the road with minimal distractions is essential. However, distracted driving is something that everyone faces behind the wheel, and these distractions go beyond cellphone use. Situations such as eating, drinking, and staring at road signs or car crashes are just as hazardous. 

A recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) identified recommendations to help states solve the issue of distracted driving. In most states, there are laws banning texting while driving; however, some still allow the use of a handheld device. The report states that drivers are distracted 51% of the time behind the wheel.

The report identifies statistics from the National Center for Statistics and Analysis that in 2019, 424,000 people were injured in distraction-based vehicular crashes, and 566 pedestrians and individuals outside the vehicle were killed.

Methods mentioned in the report to combat distracted driving show how federal and state governments can focus on improving data collection and analysis, education, and public outreach about safe driving, as well as funding and leadership opportunities.

In addition, distracted driving laws and roadway strategies that uphold Vision Zero efforts are key along with educational campaigns for the public about the dangers that come with distracted driving such as these quick tips for safer driving.

THEA is plugged into all the ACES concepts (Automated, Connected, Electric, and Shared) as ways to improve safety and mobility, especially with our CV Pilot program. The THEA Connected Vehicle Pilot is uniquely multimodal, encompassing pedestrians and privately owned automobiles aiming to help Tampa realize its Vision Zero goals.

It is time to bring more awareness to distracted driving and do your part to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road this summer.