The depressing statistics of driver deaths in road accidents. The problem exists all over the world

New statistics of driver deaths are increasingly attracting the attention of researchers and government officials. Despite efforts by manufacturers to improve safety requirements, the death toll is only rising. However, it may be due to obsolete vehicles and deteriorating driving conditions on the roads.

Sobering statistics of driver deaths around the world

Distracted driving is a problem that is considered one of the most dangerous phenomena in the world. Last year, the European Transport Safety Board reported on studies carried out by Ipsos and Dekra.

What is distracted driving

Distracted driving refers to the vehicle moving while the driver is inattentive. It is usually believed that at this moment the person behind the wheel is doing something else. He can talk on the phone, be distracted by passengers or some business.

Questions of interest were answered by road safety specialist Jim Flegel of the Michigan State Police.

“Distracted driving is a serious problem in Michigan.

Telephone conversations make up a significant part of it. This is a fundamental problem that is characteristic of our time.

“In the age of electronic digital technology, some people cannot put off phone calls. They reply to text messages or Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter or even Facebook messages. And at this time they are driving, ”added Flegel.

How to eradicate distracted driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that can distract the driver's attention. The problem is that people find it difficult to resist external stimuli. And that endangers the driver's own life or anyone else's.

“Using a cell phone or smartphone stimulates the part of the human brain that releases a chemical called dopamine,” Flegel commented. This is one of the explanations for the constant desire to communicate.

Some experts even argue that we are modern modern versions of Pavlov's dog in regards to smartphones.

“This is one of the reasons why it is difficult to resist the urge to immediately respond to text messages, calls or messages on social networks. Regardless of whether a person drives any vehicle or not,” added Flegel.

Even when driving slowly, it is important to keep an eye on the road.

What are the types of distractions

Distracted driving comes in three different forms. Incentives distract from the following ways to control the situation on the road:

1. Overview - a direct look at the road.
2. Controls - taking your hands behind the wheel;
3. Cognitive control - total or partial distraction of thoughts from the task of driving.

“Some kinds of stimuli while driving are especially dangerous. Because they combine all three forms of distraction,” Flegel said.

Sending or reading text messages (or social media messages) takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds.

Examples of distracting driving include:

• reading;
• food intake;
• watching videos or movies in the car;
• using a smartphone or cell phone;
• care (combing hair or applying makeup);
• excessive attention to navigation, climate and infotainment systems;
• physical incentives.

In other words, the negative statistics of driver deaths in road accidents is associated with the development of digital technologies. For this reason, you need to refuse them in the cabin or use cars with a high level of automation.

Who is most at risk

Conclusions can be drawn from the results of the NHTSA road safety research on distracted driving. Drivers under the age of 20 have the highest chance of fatal accidents.

It is reported that 42 percent of high school students who have driven in the last 30 days have texted or emailed while driving.

But teenagers and millennials aren't the only ones at risk.

Prevention is the best remedy for distracted driving

Lucky for us, local governments are doing everything they can to ensure that drivers don't succumb to the dangers of distracted driving. It is the task of the police to fine negligent car owners.

“There have been many initiatives where Michigan state police officers will use unmarked vehicles. They help identify drivers texting on their phones while driving,” Flegel warned.

Michigan has laws that prohibit drivers from using text messaging while operating a vehicle. Although the technology is offered as a solution, law enforcement officials are hesitant to support the idea.

Driving is our responsibility

It starts with the attitudes of children and young people who are old enough to drive.

The basic rule is safety. If you need to do anything remotely distracting while driving, your best bet is to stop the car. Then you can safely focus on the task without the risk of an accident. With such crash settings, the negative statistics of driver deaths will improve.