Distracted driving causes fatal crashes | Washington Traffic Safety Commission

On Washington roadways, between 2004 and 2008, 758 deaths occurred in which distracted driving was a contributing factor of the crash, according to statistics collected by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

Statistics on fatal crashes involving distracted driving on Washington roadways, 2004-2008:

• 25.8 percent of fatal crashes involved a driver who was distracted
• 25.1 percent of fatal distracted driving involved crashes happened in July and August
• 50.5 percent of fatal distracted driving involved crashes happened on Friday, Saturday or Sunday
• 29.9 percent of drivers in fatal crashes involving distractions were age 16-25
• 20 percent of drivers in fatal crashes involving distractions were age 26-35
• 77 percent of these distracted drivers were male
• 2 out of 5 distracted driving fatality crashes were single vehicle crashes
• 42 percent of people killed in distracted driving involved crashes were not using a seat belt

Data provided by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Go to http://www.wtsc.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2010/08/distracted10.pdf for the full report.

Weekend days during July and August are the most deadly for distracted related fatality crashes. Here are a few tips for drivers:

• Sign a pledge to drive distraction free.
• Always wear your seatbelt and insist all other passengers do too.
• Turn off your hand-held device when you get into your vehicle.
• Plan ahead by routing your trip and checking traffic conditions before you leave home.
• Don’t multi task by eating, drinking, reading or grooming while driving.
• Make sure all passengers are safely restrained in a car seat or seat belt before you drive away.
• Give children the items they’ll want during your trip, such as snacks and toys, before leaving the driveway.
• Secure your pets before leaving home.

 

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