Page 5 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – September/October 2018

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AAA Urges Drivers to Stay Focused on the Road
Each day, 10 people are killed on U. S. roadways in distracted driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To stay safe, AAA is calling for drivers to keep their eyes and attention on the road and hands on the wheel.
Distracted driving tops drivers’ list of growing dangers on the road, according to a new survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The annual Traffic Safety Culture Index shows that 88 percent of drivers believe distracted driving is on the rise, topping other risky behaviors like:
• Aggressive driving: 68 percent
• Drivers using drugs: 55 percent
• Drunk driving: 43 percent
The proportion of drivers who report talking on a
of distracted driving has increased over the past three years, with nearly 50 percent reporting that they regularly see drivers emailing or texting
while driving. Counterintuitively, federal estimates show the number of distracted driving crashes has actually dropped 2 percent. This may be due to the fact that it is difficult to detect distraction following a crash, which makes distracted driving one of the most underreported traffic safety issues. According to government estimates, distraction plays a factor in just 14 percent of all crashes. However, past
AAA Foundation research looking into teen drivers (one of the most vulnerable driving populations) used in-vehicle dash-cam videos to determine that distraction was a factor in 58 percent of crashes, 44 percent more than federal estimates.
As the number of distractions behind the wheel
cell phones, infotainment systems, or navigation systems. AAA urges drivers to act responsibly when behind the wheel. In order to avoid distractions, drivers should::
• Put aside electronic distractions and never use text messaging, email, video games or internet functions, including those built into the vehicle, while driving.
• Designate a passenger to answer in-coming calls, send or respond to text messages and
to assist with navigation when the vehicle is in motion.
• Pre-program your GPS and adjust seats, mirrors, climate controls and sound systems before driving.
• Properly secure children and pets, and store loose possessions and other items that could roll around in the car.
• Snack smart by avoiding messy foods that can be difficult to manage.
AAA is a strong voice in state, local and
federal government efforts to advocate for a comprehensive approach to the problem of distracted driving, through laws or regulations, funding education and research and investing in enforcement and safer roads. Since its founding in 1902, AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. The safety of our roads has been and always will be a priority for AAA and its members.
cell phone regularly or fairly often when behind the wheel jumped 46 percent since 2013. Nearly half
A recent study from the AAA Foundation shows drivers talking on a cellphone are up to four times as likely to crash, while those who text are up to eight times as likely to be involved in a crash.
increases, from the latest phone apps to in-vehicle technology, it
is important
that we better educate drivers on the dangers
of drivers report recently
talking on a hand-held
phone while driving and
nearly 35 percent have sent
a text or email. Despite their behavior, drivers say talking on a cellphone behind the wheel is a very serious threat to their personal safety, and many believe that texting is a significant danger. A recent study from the AAA Foundation shows drivers talking on a cell phone are up to four times as likely to crash, while those who text are up to eight times as likely to be involved in a crash.
of distraction. There is a disconnection between what drivers do and what they believe. While most recognize the dangers created by taking your eyes off the road, they engage in distracting behaviors anyway.
Any level of risk is too high when it comes to safe driving. Tasks that require a driver to take their eyes or attention off the road should be avoided while the vehicle is in motion, including the use of
Drivers in the AAA survey believe the problem
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
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