Top 5 Causes of Distracted Driving; Number 1 May Surprise You

Distracted driving is the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, driver distraction caused or contributed to 199 fatal accidents and 14,275 injury accidents between 2007 and 2011. The OHSO divides this data into accidents caused by distraction from electronic devices and accidents caused by other distractions. Although most conversations about the dangers of distracted driving revolve around texting and cell phones, the statistics reveal that non-electronic distractions actually cause more accidents.

A recent study by the Erie Insurance Group with support from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety evaluated 6,500 distraction-related fatal accidents that occurred in 2010 and 2011. The leading cause of these accidents, according to the drivers, was not cell phone use or texting, but rather simple daydreaming. In 62 percent of fatal distracted driving accidents, drivers reported being "lost in thought," compared to only 12 percent in which drivers reported being distracted by an electronic device.

Researchers are quick to point out that cell phone distraction may be under-reported, particularly in areas where cell phone use while driving is banned. Drivers may be unwilling to admit to police that they were texting or placing a phone call prior to an accident.

However, when one looks at what it means to be a distracted driver, it stands to reason that having one's mind on other things would be a leading cause of distracted driving.

There are three types of distraction while driving:

• Manual distraction - taking one's hands off the wheel; reaching for something, adjusting radio dials, eating, or applying makeup
• Visual distraction - taking one's eyes off the road; rubbernecking, looking for something in the vehicle, watching passengers, reading or looking at a map
• Cognitive distraction - taking one's mind off the road; daydreaming, planning the day, mulling a to-do list, or thinking about relationship difficulties

The most dangerous driving actions are those which involve all three types of distraction. For example, texting while driving forces a driver to take his hands off the wheel, his eyes off the road, and his mind off of driving. However, daydreaming is a far more common occurrence, which is why it likely contributes to more automobile accidents.

The Erie study lists the following as the top five causes of fatal distracted driving accidents:

1. Daydreaming or being "lost in thought" - 62%
2. Using a cell phone or electronic device - 12%
3. Rubbernecking or looking at a person, object, or event outside the vehicle - 7%
4. Talking to or looking at other passengers or vehicle occupants - 5%
5. (Tie) Eating or drinking, reaching for an object in the vehicle, or adjusting dashboard controls (radio, air conditioning, etc.) - 2% each

Anyone who causes an accident through distraction, recklessness, or criminal act can be held liable for damages accident victims sustain, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering from injuries, funeral and burial expenses, and more. In some cases, a driver may also face criminal charges, including manslaughter as a result of reckless driving or drunk driving.

Practicing safe, focused driving is critical for minimizing the chance of a serious accident. If, however, you are involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer to find out how you can get the compensation you need and deserve.