According to recent studies, driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes. Based on these nationwide findings nearly 80 % of all crashes and 65 % of near-crashes involved some form of driver inattention within 3 seconds before the event. Primary causes of driver inattention are distracting activities, such as adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, eating and drinking, talking on cell phone and sending text messages.
According to data in Kentucky during 2015, there were more than 58,000 collisions where driver distraction was noted as a factor. These crashes resulted in more than15,000 injuries and 182 fatalities. These numbers account for 43% of the total crashes and 24% of the total fatal crashes occuring on Kentucky's roadways last year.
Take The Pledge! Click here to pledge to -
- Protect lives by never texting or talking on the phone while driving.
- Be a good passenger and speak out if the driver in my car is distracted.
- Encourage friends and family to drive phone-free
One of the newest education programs offered by The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety is our D2 (Distracted Driving) Simulator as our newest educational tool to address the issues and dangers of distracted driving.
Tips for Managing Distractions
• Keep 100% of your attention on driving
• Practice defensive driving − be aware of others around you and expect the unexpected.
• Don’t use a cell phone or any other electronic device while driving. Pull over to talk or text.
• Pull over to if you must talk or to eat. It takes only a few minutes.
• Give yourself time to react. Keep a two second cushion between you and the car in front of you.
• Don’t speed − it gives you less time to react.
• Always wear your seat belt and drive sober!
The goal of the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety is simple: To save more lives by demonstrating the issues and effects distractions have on our driving – working together we all help make the difference.