Expert weighs in on this dangerous driving epidemic.

Laura Adams is an analyst who studies statistics for DriversEd.com, an online driving school and safety resource. Recently, Adams discussed some of the findings of the site’s initiative to record American driving habits. According to Adams, “There’s an argument to be made that in 2018, distracted driving is actually a worse problem in America than drunk driving. (…) The fact that so many people are texting and driving is alarming, but not surprising.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention off the road. This includes things like eating, drinking, talking on the phone, texting, adjusting your radio, playing with your navigation system, talking to passengers, and so on.

In its survey, DriversEd.com analyzed the results of more than 1,400 respondents. The survey questioned driving behaviors from texting to drinking to social media viewing to marijuana use. In the survey, 73% of drivers admitted to reading texts while driving and 54% admitted to typing out texts while behind the wheel. However, only 39% of drivers felt that they used their phones more frequently than they should while driving.

“Some of what’s going on behind the wheel is old-fashioned,” said Adams. “But some of it is related to new technology. The big takeaway for me is texting. We know people are texting. We see it all the time. Maybe we’re even doing it.”

It’s important to remember that distracted driving doesn’t just put you at risk; it also threatens the safety of your passengers and other innocent parties on the road. This is why you should never let your focus stray when you are behind the wheel. Want another way to make sure that you stay safe behind the wheel? Make sure you have the right auto insurance protections in place. For assistance with all your car coverage needs, contact the experts at Randy Jones Insurance Services in Pleasanton, California. We are ready to get you the coverage that you need today.