Common Distractions That Cause Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are common. The major cause of such accidents is driver errors. Distracted driving is considered to be the biggest driver error that causes the majority of motor vehicle accidents. Thousands of people are injured every year in motor vehicle accidents involving distracted drivers, and the numbers continue to rise each day. Let us look at some of the most common and worst forms of distraction that cause motor vehicle accidents:

Dialling numbers: Using cell phones to talk is the worst and most common form of distraction. This increases a driver’s crash risk by over 12 times. It is estimated that over 26% of all motor vehicle crashes that takes place involves the use of cell phones.

Texting: Using cell phones to send texts increases the risk of accidents by up to 6 times.

Reaching for objects: Reaching for objects other than hand-held devices is another common distraction that causes many motor vehicle accidents. In fact, this form of distraction increases the odds of accidents by up to 9 times.

Adjusting built-in devices: Many cars these days are manufactured with built-in devices like touch screen menus and navigation. Although these devices are helpful to drivers, a study revealed that using these built-in devices increases the chance of accidents by 4 times.

Talking to passengers: It is natural to talk to someone who is riding with you in the car. However, turning around during conversations and not looking at the road ahead substantially increases the chance of an accident.

Adjusting the radio: This is one of the oldest and worst forms of distraction. Operating radios while behind the wheel doubles the risk of crashes.