ASK AN EXPERT
by John and Theresa Kightlinger
As a new school year approaches and teenage drivers cruise the roads, Cindy C. of Munith asked a perfect question for this edition: What is the number one cause of teen deaths?
Experts on the subject are divided. Some say speeding; others say distracted driving. Either way, avoiding these risky behaviors can significantly reduce a driver’s risk of accident:
Distracted driving endangers not only those behind the wheel, but also their passengers, pedestrians and others on or near the roadway. In fact, drivers using hand-held devices such as smartphones or iPods were found to be four times more likely to experience serious accidents than those who didn’t use them. These are only two of the most dangerous distractions. Pressing numbers to make or take a phone call as well as receiving or imparting emotional or upsetting news can have an impact. Other key distractions include consuming food and drink, becoming immersed in music, or changing the radio station or CD player.
Texting while driving destroys focus on the road and is, unfortunately, trending upward. As of July 1, 2010, Michigan law prohibits texting while driving. First-offense motorists are fined $100. Subsequent offenses cost $200. Not only is distracted driving dangerous, it can also be very costly.
Updating social media is also becoming more common. Updating Facebook status or tweeting requires use of eyes that should always be on the road. Nothing can be more incriminating in a car accident case than a tweet like “Stuck behind a really slow old lady. Ughh” or “Just hit a fire hydrant LOL.” Whether it’s updating your Facebook status or tweeting, using social media while driving is dangerous. No matter how appealing, drivers should ignore the beeper until parked, and it is safe to reply.
Other passengers can be distracting. Noisy, quarreling children in the back seat or talking with old friends can threaten to draw a driver’s eyes off the road. Passengers should help drivers to stay focused and not hinder their efforts to stay alert. Slowing down to look at an accident is dangerous and so common it has a name: rubbernecking. Curiosity is hard to control, but to avoid creating a second accident, drivers should try to pass accidents without staring.
While less common, dozing off due to fatigue can be fatal, and applying make up often occurs when someone is rushing. Smoking and related activities like lighting up or dabbing ashes into the ashtray can be distracting. None of these activities are worth the risk.
Driving is a visual task and non-driving activities that draw the driver’s eyes away from the roadway should always be avoided.
Information compiled from information provided by NHTSA.gov and the Government Highway Safety Association.
