Traffic deaths have been increasing in Georgia for the past few years. In 2021, the trend continued with a big jump in motor vehicle accident fatalities. There are several reasons for the increase, but one of the biggest is the rise in distracted driving.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the road. There are three types of distracted driving. The first one, visual, is when you take your eyes off the road. This involves things like looking at your phone, passengers or scenery. The second one is manual, which is when you take your hands off the steering wheel. This includes activities like fiddling with your radio, eating or using your phone. The last type of distracted driving is cognitive, which is when you take your mind off of driving.
How does this lead to traffic deaths?
Distracted driving leads to traffic deaths because it increases the chances of getting into an accident. When you’re not paying attention to the road, you’re more likely to make mistakes that could cause motor vehicle accidents. For example, you might not see a stop sign or another car coming and end up crashing into them. Additionally, if you’re not paying attention, you might not be able to react in time if something unexpected happens.
Reducing traffic deaths
It’s important to understand that you should never drive while distracted. If you need to do something that takes your attention away from the road, pull over and stop driving first. You should also make sure to eliminate distractions in your car before you start driving. This includes things, like putting away your phone, turning off the radio, and eating before you get on the road. By eliminating distractions, you can help reduce the number of traffic deaths.
With the rise in distracted driving, it’s important to be aware of the dangers on the road. By understanding how distracted driving leads to accidents, you can help make the roads safer for everyone. Remember to drive safely and eliminate distractions before getting behind the wheel.
