The Rise of Distracted Driving in the United States

Introduction

One of the biggest rites of passages in the United States at the age of 16 is obtaining a driver’s license. The freedom to roam the open road and explore the world around you in most cases is a joyous occasion. At 16, a young inexperienced driver is constantly conveyed that driving is a privilege and one must use caution or that privilege will be taken away. However, over the past few years one of the growing problems in United States not only affects young drivers but drivers of all ages. Distracted driving is a growing problem in the United States that affects not only people of all ages but race, and gender as well.
In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes due to distracted driving (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). In addition, 10% of crashes in 2011 were related to distracted driving (National Highway Traffic Safety). Distracted driving is basically any activity that can cause a driver’s attention to be diverted away from the task of driving (Injury Prevention & Control: Motor Vehicle Safety , 2013). This can include texting, using a cell phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading maps, using a navigation system, watching a video, or adjusting a radio or CD player (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). This is becoming an increasing problem amongst the population because it not only affects the person driving, but innocent bystanders and families. Common everyday practices like those listed above are increasingly becoming the reasons why more and more drivers are getting into accidents. Most drivers have the sense of invincibility. This false sense of entitlement is what leads to the more and more accidents on the road each year and justifies why this ...

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... is not pressing the brake fast enough to avoid a collision (Entertainment Close-up, 2012). All of these features serve as prevention for distracted drivers (Entertainment Close-up, 2012). The upgraded vehicle features just like a seat beat give drivers an additional opportunity to avoid potential collisions.
Although there is no clear solution to distracted driving, addressing the problem is the first step in prevention. As we continue to take the necessary steps towards prevention in the near future the likelihood of the statistics reducing will be likely. Like other issues that face our population, distracted driving is an issue that affects everyone regardless of race, age, and gender. Through the use of technology, policymaking, and public education we will continue to make advances towards improving driver distraction and implementing safer driving solutions.