Accident photo courtesy Carfax
Even if you don't live in Virginia, you should pay attention to the state's Distracted Driving Awareness Day, today, April 29. And be aware every day that driving distracted is a killer. So, finish your phonecalls, Starbucks double latte skim and Krispy Creme chocolate thing before you pull out of the driveway or parking spot.
According to DRIVE SMART Virginia, a Virginia Tech study showed that of crash and near-crash occurrences, driver inattention -- same thing as distracted driving -- causes 80 percent of all crashes, and 65 percent of all near crashes.
It takes just three seconds inattention -- fumbling with a iPod control, dashboard NAV system, turning around to stop the kids from fighting in the backseat, or reaching over to pick up the half-eaten Krispy Kreme that slid off your lap -- to cause an accident.
While 80 percent of crashes are related to driver inattention, there are certain activities that may be more dumb and dangerous than dialing or texting while driving. These include -- 
- Reaching for a moving object -- 9 times increase in crash risk. Which is worse, spilled coffee vs. an insurance claim.
- Driving drowsy -- 5 times increase in crash risk. Remember, springtime allergy meds can contain ingredients that make you drowsy. Check with your doctor or pharmacist or both. Read my article on how to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.
- Looking at an external object -- 4 times increase in crash risk. Yea, the other guy has a nicer car than you do. But is it worth staring so hard you crash your own?
- Reading -- 3 times increase in crash risk. What about the words 'pull over' do you not understand?
- Dialing a phone and/or texting -- 3 times increase in crash risk. Dialing and/or texting while driving is dumb and other four-letter words Examiner will not let me write.
- Applying makeup -- 3 times increase in crash risk. C'mon ladies, mascara and eyeliner while you are driving? You will look pretty for the police and EMS responders.
Because cell phone use is more frequent and lasts longer than other risk behaviors, it is the top source of driver inattention behind the wheel. Sorry to sound like your mother -- but are you listening? Cellphone use is the number one source of driver inattention. Dialing or texting. Same problem.
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Virginia is the latest state to make it against the law to text while driving. That law goes into effect on July 1, 2009. Drivers can pledge to drive distraction free at www.drivesmartva.org.
"Distracted drivers are a huge problem on the road, whether they're chatting with a friend or just having a snack on the go," said James Timm, a claims manager for Erie Insurance in Virginia. "That's why Erie Insurance is joining DRIVE SMART Virginia and its partners in recognizing April 29th as Distracted Driving Awareness Day in Virginia." Erie Insurance, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 16th largest automobile insurer in the United States.
Drive smarter. Pay attention. It could save your life.
photoof of red wrecks courtesy of carcrashes.com
For more car and travel articles by Green Car Examiner Evelyn Kanter, check my website, www.car-and-travel.com.
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Comments
Been far too close to being the victim of someone else's DWD (Driving While Distracted) or DWS (Driving While Stupid) conviction.
It's not a videogame, America.
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