LAWRENCE COUNTY – A new study done by the https://www.hgdlawfirm.com/ discovered the most frequent distractions that led to fatal crashes across america.
The study also uncovered the most frequently reported distractions that were involved in fatal crashes across America.
The most common of these were mobile phone related (384 cases), being distracted by an outside person, object or event (267 cases), and being distracted by other occupants in the vehicle (151 cases).
While these figures appear low in comparison to the total number of fatal crashes across America, many incidents were not reported to the NHTSA alongside a specific distraction.
| Rank | Distraction | Number of Fatal Crashes (2021) |
| 1. | Mobile phone related | 384 |
| 2. | Distracted by outside person, object or event | 267 |
| 3. | By other occupant(s) | 151 |
| 4. | While using or reaching for device/object brought into vehicle | 117 |
| 5. | While using other components/controls integral to vehicle | 75 |
| 6. | Adjusting audio or climate controls | 43 |
| 7. | Eating or drinking | 42 |
| 8. | Lost in thought/day dreaming | 20 |
| 9. | By a moving object in vehicle | 13 |
| 10. | Smoking related | 7 |
A spokesperson for Heninger Garrison Davis commented on the study’s findings:
“The NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System is a crucial tool for illuminating how and why fatal crashes happen on our roads.
“Highlighting the most commonly reported distractions will hopefully generate greater awareness among road users of just how dangerous these behaviours can be, and potentially mitigate the frequency and severity of crashes in the future.
“Using your cell phone, or reaching for other devices brought into your vehicle, are both completely avoidable diversions of your attention, yet ranked as some of the most common factors influencing fatal incidents.
“This is particularly important, as the number of technology-related distractions are likely to only increase in the future, so it is important that we are mindful of responding to these in a way that is safe for ourselves and other road users.”
Drivers are urged to set aside distractions while driving, and instead wait until you can pull off the road or park if you simply must do something else. Your phone notifications can wait! Keep yourself and your passengers safe!
