Distractions are a problem that plague motorists throughout Connecticut, and elsewhere. In fact, Distraction.gov reported that approximately 424,000 people were injured, and more than 3,100 were killed, in distraction-related accidents in 2013 alone. Such behaviors may be hazardous for drivers of all ages. However, a recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that distractions may be particularly dangerous for teen drivers.
Common distractions drivers face
Any behavior that diverts someone’s attention from the task of driving may be considered a distraction. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are three general types of distractions – manual, visual and cognitive. Manual and visual distractions involve behaviors that take drivers’ hands off the wheel and eyes off the road. Cognitive distractions, on the other hand, are those that take a motorist’s mind off the task of driving. Some of the most common distractions include talking on cellphones, text messaging, eating, drinking or interacting with passengers. …show more content…
For the study, researchers examined the crash data from in-vehicle event recorders for collisions that involved drivers between the ages of 16 and 19-years-old. They looked at 6,842 videos, 1,691 of which met their inclusion criteria.
The researchers studied the videos for the six seconds leading up to an accident, and then coded them for analysis. The data elements that they coded included contributing circumstances, driver and passenger behaviors, and environmental
Common distractions drivers face
Any behavior that diverts someone’s attention from the task of driving may be considered a distraction. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are three general types of distractions – manual, visual and cognitive. Manual and visual distractions involve behaviors that take drivers’ hands off the wheel and eyes off the road. Cognitive distractions, on the other hand, are those that take a motorist’s mind off the task of driving. Some of the most common distractions include talking on cellphones, text messaging, eating, drinking or interacting with passengers. …show more content…
For the study, researchers examined the crash data from in-vehicle event recorders for collisions that involved drivers between the ages of 16 and 19-years-old. They looked at 6,842 videos, 1,691 of which met their inclusion criteria.
The researchers studied the videos for the six seconds leading up to an accident, and then coded them for analysis. The data elements that they coded included contributing circumstances, driver and passenger behaviors, and environmental