Auto accidents caused by distracted drivers have become a major problem in the United States. With more and more drivers talking on cell phones, eating, sending text messages and even grooming themselves while operating their vehicles – there is no wonder why there are so many traffic collisions in Massachusetts. In 2006, there were 404 fatalities caused by Massachusetts motor vehicle accidents. How many of these accidents could have been avoided?

Distraction has been defined as “attention given to a non-driving-related activity, typically to the detriment of driving performance.” According to the 2006 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 80 percent of traffic crashes and 65 percent of near crashes occur within 3 seconds of some form of driver distraction. Imagine how many drivers easily become distracted for a mere 3 seconds.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute monitored the behavior of 241 drivers in 100 vehicles for more than a year. There were 2 million miles driven and during that time 82 traffic collisions and 761 near-crashes occurred. That means that almost 1 in 3 drivers studied were involved in an auto accident and on average each driver had 3 near collisions. It was found that reaching for a moving object significantly increased the risk of an automobile accident or near accident by nine times.

Why has driver distraction become a main focus recently? With technology advancing coupled with a busy society who frequently multi-tasks, accidents have become more common. Drivers who read, applied makeup or dialed on their cell phones tripled their risk of causing an accident, according to the study.

Drivers talking on cell phones were a top cause of crashes. Many states have elected to ban the use of cell phones while driving, while other states allow the local governments to place restrictions. In Massachusetts, localities are allowed to ban cell phone usage.

Drowsy drivers are also a major cause of motor vehicle accidents. Drowsiness contributed to more than 22 percent of the traffic crashes and near-crashes that were recorded among the drivers researched.

One of the main lessons that this study provides is the importance of paying attention while driving. If only 3 seconds greatly increases the odds of an auto accident, it is vital that a driver always keeps his or her eyes on the road. It is hard to control what other drivers do, but if each driver can make sure to stay focused and do their best to avoid distractions, the number of serious car crashes should decrease.

If you have been involved in a Massachusetts auto accident, contact our office at (800) 930-8145 or (978) 474-8670 for advice on your case.

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