Distracted driving rising to alarming rates, new data suggests

JACKSON, Tenn. — New numbers are revealing just how common distracted and drowsy driving has become across the country.

According to U.S. News & World Report, more than half of U.S. drivers admit to looking at their phones while stopped at a red light. And 4 in 10 say that distraction has led to an accident.

Experts say this shows just how normalized distracted driving has become.

“Most people, when they pick up their phone to check a message or whatever, they’re not thinking about the long-term ramifications of that. Their just thinking, ‘oh I got this text,’ or ‘oh I want to switch the song,'” said Rachael Brennan, licensed insurance expert.

Brennan says those risky habits don’t just impact safety, they can also impact your wallet.

“It can actually impact your rates and your coverage, even if you are not the one that’s distracted behind the wheel,” Brennan said. “On a larger scale, your rates are impacted by everybody in your area.”

Brennan says if there’s an increase in accidents or moving violations in your area, your rates also go up to reflect that.

The survey also highlights another dangerous trend, which is drowsy driving.

“8% of people have fallen asleep behind the wheel, but a larger percentage of people have admitted to nodding off or kind of being very drowsy while they’re driving,” said Brennan.

Brennan says younger drivers are more prone to accidents and tickets due to their lack of experience. But experienced drivers should still drive responsibly and practice caution.

“You should not assume that because you are someone who’s been driving for twenty years that it is safer for your to make dangerous decisions than it is for someone who is 18 or 19,” she said.

As the holidays approach and more people hit the road, it’s a reminder that no text, call, or destination is worth the risk.

Click here to learn more about the survey’s findings.

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