About 1.35 million people die every year due to road traffic accidents. Distracted driving is a leading cause of these crashes. So, fleet owners and managers like you need the best distracted driving solutions to protect lives and the economy.
To understand better why distracted driving is a grave matter, let’s see more facts and statistics below.
What Are the Facts and Statistics of Distracted Driving?
Please consider that the police in many countries often don’t report the exact nature of various distracting activities in crash reports. Sometimes, witnesses and drivers don’t cooperate with law enforcement officers as required, making it challenging to find accurate figures on the impact of distraction on traffic crashes globally.
However, growing evidence indicates that distracted driving is a significant threat to human existence, and we urgently need the right solutions to protect lives.
According to the World Health Organization, road crashes are the leading cause of death for young adults aged below 29. Over 70% of this accounts for males. Research associates this trend with the usage of mobile phones while behind the wheel.
The WHO approximates that mobile devices’ usage increases the chance of engaging in accidents by 400%.
A study in the United States where researchers observed drivers at the wheel in a real-world setting discovered that they engage in potentially distracting activities approximately 30% of the time.
However, the recent emergence of in-vehicle communication technologies may have altered this figure.
Find more below that suggest distracted driving contributes to increasing crashes worldwide:
- 1,855 died in distracted driving accidents in Zhejiang province, China, in 2016, accounting for 44.3% of total traffic deaths.
- 3,166 lives were lost in the US in 2017 alone due to this practice. In 2020, cell phones distracted 21% of teens involved in accidents.
- In Australia, distracted driving contributes to 14% of crashes.
- In New Zealand, it contributes to 10% of fatal accidents and 9% of injury crashes.
- In Spain, driver distraction caused about 37% of road traffic crashes in 2008.
- In Canada, 2003-2007 national data shows distracted driving causes 10.7% of injury and fatal accidents.
- In the US, in 2018, close to 3,000 people died, and about 400,000 others were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers.
- In the US, a 2020 study shows distracted driving responsible for 2.5 million car crashes.
- By 2021, WHO reports at least 32 countries have banned cell phone use while driving due to its negative impact.
What are the Top 5 Distractions While Driving?
Before looking at solutions, let’s assess the topmost dreaded distractions:
- Using Mobile Phones
Research by the University of Utah shows drivers using phones have delayed reactions comparable to a 0.08% blood alcohol level. It increases collision risk about fourfold. Hands-free phones still distract the mind, making them a serious risk. - Adjusting the Vehicle Setting
Fiddling with radio, windows, or air-conditioning carries risks almost equal to using cell phones. Even a moment’s inattention can cause accidents. - Interacting with Passengers
Talking with passengers or looking away to engage with them is a severe cognitive distraction. Expert drivers may manage it better but still face risks. - Eating or Drinking
According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, eating or drinking while driving increases accident risk by 80%. Though less risky than phone use, it is still significant. - External Distractions
Events outside the vehicle can distract drivers. Experienced drivers must stay vigilant to avoid being distracted by pedestrians or unexpected street happenings.
What are the Consequences of Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving can lead to several life-altering consequences, including:
1. Accident
Distracted driving is a major accident cause, resulting in:
- Injury
Victims often suffer serious injuries such as head trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, whiplash, cuts, and bruises. Some injuries cause permanent disability or chronic pain. - Death
Many road users, including pedestrians and passengers, lose their lives due to distracted driving accidents.
2. Loss of Driving Privileges
Drivers accumulating points for distracted driving may lose their licenses through revocation or suspension.
What are the Costs of Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving costs drivers and owners significantly:
1. Legal Ramifications
Violations of distracted driving laws can lead to fines, confiscation of phones as evidence, and even murder or manslaughter charges if fatalities occur. For example, in Ontario, fines range from $500 to $3,000 depending on offense frequency.
2. Financial Ramifications
Drivers may face lost wages, medical bills, punitive damages, property damage, pain and suffering claims, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Parents of teenage drivers may also face liability for accidents caused by their children.
3. High Insurance Costs
Insurance premiums increase after distracted driving tickets—on average by 16% in the US, with some states seeing even higher increases.
4. Car Repair Bills
Accidents lead to costly vehicle repairs or total losses, which strain personal finances.
How Distracted Driving Solutions Work: Our Dashcam
Many fleet managers develop solutions that rely heavily on driver compliance. Our advanced dashcam offers a more integrated approach with three key features:
1. HD Video Camera
Enables reviewing in-cabin footage, performing random audits, and alerting drivers about unsafe events without much time or cost.
2. GPS Tracking System
Our Tracksolid GPS collects vehicle data (location, speed, behavior, fuel consumption, alerts, footage, reports) via satellite and cellular networks, allowing 24/7 remote supervision.
3. Driver Coaching
AI-powered driver coaching detects distracted behaviors (phone use, looking away, drowsiness, smoking) and automatically assigns corrective training.
Finding Efficient Distracted Driving Solutions
With JimiIoT & Concox‘s purpose-built, highly integrated dash cams, fleet safety improves dramatically. Real-time AI and GPS data allow for timely coaching and reduced distracted driving risks.
If you need these solutions, contact Jimilab. Our experts are available 24/7 to assist you.
