Technological Distractions Lead to Increase in Fatal Car Crashes

Modern automobiles are equipped with advanced technology that should make operations safer than ever before. The majority of motor vehicles on the road are equipped with built-in safety features, including lane assistance, blind spot detection, advanced airbags, and more. So, why are the incidence rates for motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities on the rise?

Advanced technology and applications can present drivers with numerous distractions. In 2019, 3100 people were killed and over 424,000 were injured as a result of distracted driving. These harrowing statistics demonstrate how important it is for drivers to be responsible and focus behind the wheel.

The following article explores the causes and consequences that can result from distracted driving. We will also examine how drivers can improve focus by implementing methods utilized by airplane pilots.

What Can Drivers Learn from Airplane Pilots?

Modern technology is causing a cognitive overload for drivers on US roadways. Airplane pilots face a multitude of distractions that require them to practice diligent focus. Examining the ways that airplane pilots manage these distractions has the ability to help motor vehicle operators.

Airplane pilot training requires extensive psychological preparation and skill. Pilots have numerous job responsibilities that require them to multitask safely and efficiently. These air operators are required to communicate on the radio, manage plane passengers, navigate, monitor weather systems, and various other tasks.

Airplane pilots are required to focus on far more tasks than the average individual operating a vehicle on the road. Yet, airplane crashes and deaths due to distraction are exceedingly lower than roadway crash incidents. What can drivers learn from airplane pilots to improve their focus and make roadways safer?

Take Risks Seriously

The most applicable difference between air pilots and the average driver is psychological. Air pilots understand that a lack of focus could lead to costly mistakes, crashes, and fatalities. The incident rate for distracted driving accidents on the road would decrease significantly if motor vehicle operators took these risks more seriously.

Focus and Attention Span

Airplane pilots also understand that attention span and focus are limited resources. Pilots take their responsibility seriously and do not exceed their attention span capabilities.

Drivers can use this advice to be more conscientious and responsible when getting behind the wheel. Driving for long hours becomes dangerous once the ability to focus is no longer possible. Schedule regular stops and hotel stays on long trips.

Prepare and Prioritize

An airplane cockpit is designed to allow for maximum efficiency and the safest operations. The most important applications are placed in front of the pilot for easy monitoring, access, and utilization.

Motor vehicle drivers can learn from these practices by better preparing before heading out onto the road. Drivers should arrange their vehicles in a manner that allows them to access items safely and easily.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving continues to be the leading cause of fatal automobile accidents and can take many forms. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains that distracted driving can be anything that averts the driver’s attention from the road.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use continues to be the main cause of distracting driving accidents. Texting, checking your email, or surfing the web are all critically dangerous decisions. Looking away from the road is equivalent to driving with your eyes closed.

Technology

Modern technology puts drivers at risk of falling victim to numerous distractions. These may include satellite radio, navigation systems, stereos, and other potentially deadly distractions.

At Risk Drivers

There are specific circumstances and demographics that are more likely to engage in distracting behaviors while driving.

• Teenage and Young Adult Drivers
• Jobs that Require Driving
• Driving Under the Influence

The CDC also reported that distracted drivers were less likely to wear a seatbelt and more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors behind the wheel.

How to Improve Focus on the Road

Distracted driving remains the most prevalent cause of automobile accidents. Drivers can improve focus by implementing a few preventative practices before heading out onto the road.

Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving:

• Connect Bluetooth and open music applications before leaving your driveway.
• Calls and texts can wait. Set your phone up to automatically transition to do not disturb mode when driving.
• Set your dashboard to retrieve calls and texts via Bluetooth if it is absolutely necessary.
• Use voice commands to control vehicle systems. Many modern vehicles allow drivers to adjust the A/C, change the music playlist, and other tasks through vocal commands.
• Driving requires focus. Stop trying to multitask while driving.

Practicing these preventative tips and measures has the potential to reduce the number of distracted driving accidents and fatalities.

Distracted Driving Is a Public Safety Crisis

Big-name automobile manufacturers and cell phone companies decline to discuss the worldwide safety crisis of distracted driving. Ultimately, drivers need to take responsibility for their own decisions behind the wheel.

Road safety experts are unable to obtain accurate statistics on the prevalence of distracted driving in motor vehicle accidents. The only way to prove distracted driving caused an accident is when law enforcement witnesses the incident, or through driver admission.

The majority of people know that it is not in their self-interest to admit that they are at fault in a crash. This unfortunately leads to inaccurate statistics and causes the public to ignore the prevalence and severity of the issue.

James McKiernan Lawyers

Distracted driving is a reckless and negligent decision that can result in serious life-altering injuries and/or death. Contact James McKiernan Lawyers if you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in an accident caused by distracted driving.

James McKiernan Lawyers has 50+ years of experience in helping car accident victims get compensation for their injuries. Our team of reliable, compassionate, and knowledgeable personal injury lawyers fights hard for clients throughout California’s Central Coast. Reach out today for more information.