In earlier blogs in this series, we’ve covered the rising cost of distracted driving and its cost on the workplace. And while most people associate distracted driving with texting and talking on the phone, there are other contributing factors, such as families driving with children in the back seat.
A recent study suggests that children are 12 times a greater cause of driver distraction than cell phones. An accident research center installed cameras in the cars of 12 families over a three- week period and found that talking on the phone only accounted for 1% of distractions while distractions from children accounted for 12%.
The study also found:
- The simple act of turning to look at children in the back seat accounted for 75% of all distractions
- New moms fare the worse as they are the most fatigued; 10% admitted to an accident with their baby in the car—they play loud music to calm a crying child, reach to hand them dropped items and even feed them while driving
- Over the course of a 16-minute trip, parents spend 3 minutes and 22 seconds with their eyes not on the road
- Other frequent forms of distraction include looking at their kids in the rearview mirror
One of the easiest solutions is to secure the child’s car seat. Research has shown that children are in the incorrect position in over 70% of studied trips. According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) safercar.gov site, learning the proper seat belt and car seat fit is critical to improving safety for all drivers. The site offers tips about when to transfer children out of a booster seat to a seat belt as well as other tips and quizzes.
At Nager, Romaine & Schneiberg Co., L.P.A., we understand the devastating effects of being injured in an auto accident in Cleveland caused by a distracted driver. In our next blog, we’ll look at teenagers and distracted driving.
Please read Distracted Driving Facts and Statistics to learn more about what distracted driving is and the devastating impact it can have on others. You can also visit our distracted driving and texting accident page on our website.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, speak to an auto accident lawyer at NRS right away. Our distracted driving accident attorneys have the experience you need to get the results you deserve and are entitled to by law. Call us toll-free at 1.855.GOT.HURT (1.855.468.4878) or contact us by filling out our No-Risk Consultation Form.
