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Most Common Causes of Distracted Driving Car Accidents

What is the number one cause of distracted driving car accident deaths? A Pennsylvania Insurance Company did a study in 2013 about the most common cause of distracted driving the past two years leading to car accident deaths, posted in the Insurance Journal in 2013.

The study showed that contrary to popular belief, daydreaming was the number one cause of distraction for drivers involved in fatal car accidents from 2010-2011. I think this would probably also include sleeping or falling asleep at the wheel – too tired. This is probably more common because it has to do with the trucking industry, where truckers have to drive a long time and have mandatory breaks while driving requiring them to sleep or rest.

  1. 62% – Day Dreaming or Lost in Thought 
  2. 12% – Cell Phone Usage
  3. 7% – Outside Person or Event
  4. 5% – Other Occupants in Car
  5. 2% – Using A Navigational Device or Headphones
  6. 2% – Eating or Drinking
  7. 2% – Adjusting Audio or Climate Controls
  8. 1% – Adjusting Mirrors or Seats
  9. 1% – Pets or Insects in Car
  10. 1% – Smoking Cigarettes 

The study was based largely on the police officer’s judgment at the time of the crash and could be underrepresented of the true numbers because most people will be unwilling to say they were distracted at the time of a car accident especially in one where the other driver dies. The use of cellphone related car accidents is probably higher given the negative response around texting and driving some people may be hiding the fact they were using their phone.

This is just a reminder of the many distractions in your car that could be taking your attention from driving carefully to keep you and other drivers around you safe. One second of distractions could be the difference between you seeing a stop sign, a person crossing the street, a car stopped in front of you, or a car merging into your lane.

Here are some tips you can use to drive safe and avoid car accidents:

  • Make sure other drivers around you see you – don’t drive in their blind spots.
  • Anticipate cars merging into your lane to give them room.
  • Keep your pets in the back seat.
  • Set your music up on your phone’s playlist before you start driving.
  • Keep your eyes on the road.
  • Explain to your children the dangers of driving and the reason you need absolute quite while driving.
Andrew CherinMost Common Causes of Distracted Driving Car Accidents