That any of us are alive!
I can often be found listening to the police radio. I find myself overwhelmed with how many reports of reckless and/or intoxicated drivers are on the road every day.
I am keenly aware of the roads as my nephew recently got his permit, and another nephew recently got his license. I am keenly aware of my speed, my driving habits, my blinker use, and where I stop when at a crosswalk.
And then I hear these dispatchers reporting irresponsible drivers who put lives at risk. I plead with every one of you to do what we can to make the roads safe.
Put your phones away, stop with all the distractions (I saw someone reading while they drove today), wait to eat your meal till you get home, and keep your eyes on the road. Give pedestrians the right away and watch for bikers and give them the space needed.
I know that my awareness is heightened as I think of my nephews, and I can’t quite imagine what it feels like when they are your kids who hit the highways…but tonight, I hope that we all do our part, both in how we drive and speaking into others lives if they are reckless and putting others at risk.
2021 distracted driving statistics
In January of 2021, The Zebra reached out to American drivers to understand the habits they engage in behind the wheel of a car. While many claims they never drive while distracted, others admit to engaging in many other behaviors while driving, including texting while driving.
- 52.5% of respondents reporting eating while driving, down 4.2% from last year’s respondents. Other behaviors include:
- Texting (23.6%)
- Taking photos (11.7%)
- Applying makeup (6.5%)
- 3.4% admitted to drinking while driving!
Our survey also looked into how many Americans view distracted driving, either as dangerous or not.
- 36.4% of participants completely agree that using a mobile device hinders your ability to drive, yet 36% admit to engaging in activities with a cellphone while driving.
- Less than half of participants completely agree that texting and driving are just as dangerous as drinking and driving, despite numerous studies proving both activities limit your capacity for awareness and focus.
- Only 4.1% of participants ages 25-34 claimed they felt a high degree of pressure to respond to text messages while driving. In total, 12.1% of respondents in that age group felt any pressure to answer a text at all.
- 17.9% of the age group 18-24 felt the most pressure to respond to a text while driving. Interestingly, it is also this age group that is most often in accidents.
Be safe and be well!
Blessed be His name!