This month, millions of Americans will pack up the car and travel to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. In 2018, AAA forecasted that more than 102 million people would take a road trip during the holiday season. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are generally more motor vehicle traffic crash fatalities during holiday periods than during non-holiday periods, and 799 roadway fatalities are forecasted to occur between the coming Christmas and New Year’s Day. This year, make sure your family is as safe as possible by being aware of one of the leading preventable causes of automobile crashes: distracted driving.
According to the NHTSA, distracted driving is currently responsible for at least seven deaths each day in the U.S, with 2,841 people killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2018. Distracted driving can include any action that takes your focus off the road, including cell phone use (texting and talking), eating, drinking and drowsiness. But despite the safety concerns, a new survey has found that risky behavior is common.
The new 2019 Travelers Risk Index, a national survey on distracted driving, found the following results:
· Nearly eight in ten drivers make or take phone calls while behind the wheel
· 44 percent admit typing a text or email while driving
· 30 percent report grooming while driving
· 15 percent admit to shopping online while driving
On Dec. 19, Joan Woodward will be available to share additional results and statistics and offer helpful, common-sense tips to help drivers remain focused and safe on the road this holiday season.
