The increasing problem of distracted driving in the United States is staggering: of the 2.5 million road accidents each year, 1.6 million of these accidents are cell phone-related. That means 64% of U.S. accidents are caused by phone usage, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Further, drivers are 23 times more likely to get into a crash when texting because it takes approximately 5 seconds to read one text. When traveling at 55mph, that’s the equivalent of crossing a football field blindfolded.
We all know someone who’s driven while distracted—and possibly even gotten in an accident due to cell phone use. So why do the 660,000+ drivers continue to use their phones while driving at any given moment?
People are eager to provide excuses when they are asked why they text while they drive. For most, it is that some texts are too important to be ignored. But the facts don’t lie when it comes to the high risk of texting while driving.
While CORE provides training, insurance surveying, and a number of other services to enhance job safety, you can also play a role in your and others’ safety by educating your colleagues about the dangers of distracted driving. Encourage others to put away their phones and other distractions including food, beverages, cigarettes, and radio and prevent possible accidents by maintaining a safe time interval between your car and the car ahead.
No text message, phone call or email is worth your or someone else’s safety. CORE’s team reminds clients and friends alike of the dangers that texting and other phone usage pose on the road as well as on the job site. Wait to open that text message, answer that call, or respond to that email—and consider your safety and others’ worth the wait.
Click here to take the pledge to help end distracted driving on distraction.gov
