In 2009, 5,474 people were killed in the United States due to distracted driving.
Of those, 995 were reported to have involved the use of a cell phone as a factor.
Injuries: 24,000 were injured in accidents in which cell phone use was reported as a factor.
The 30- to 39-year-old age group has the highest percentage of cell phone use in fatal crashes.
Cell-phone use – whether hand-held or hands-free – delays a driver’s reaction as much as having a blood-alcohol concentration above the legal limit.
1 Sources: nsc.org, nhtsa.gov, distraction.gov, reuters.com.
Here are some tips for sharing the road with trucks:
- Don’t cut off other vehicles – trucks and buses take longer to stop compared to cars.
- Buckle up – again, trucks and buses take longer to stop, and you’re safer buckled in during a rear-end collision.
- Stay out of a truck’s blind spots – if you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
- Stay alert – avoid distracted driving.
- Avoid frequent lane changes and aggressive driving.
- Watch truck signals, and stay out of their turn areas – trucks have to swing wide to turn.
- Check and maintain proper tire pressure
- Test coolant to ensure cold-weather protection
- Check brake lights and other bulbs
- Be prepared with an emergency kit in the vehicle
- Drive defensively – keep your eyes on the road ahead
- Install winter wiper blades
- Increase your following distance to compensate for compromised traction
- Brake and accelerate more slowly and always watch for ice
- Remember that bridge decks freeze first due to the difference in exposure to air
Source: Subaru Roadside Assistance