Since the mid-2000s, distracted driving has become a growing issue amongst drivers of all ages. With the skyrocketing use of handheld devices, such as cell phones, smart phones, GPS systems, satellite radio, MP3 players, and more, it’s no surprise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each day, more than 15 people are killed and more than 1,200 people are injured in crashes that were reported to involve a distracted driver. In 2009 alone, more than 5,400 people died in crashes that were reported to involve a distracted driver, injuring 448,000 more. When drivers engage in any type of non-driving activity, such as using a handheld device, eating, talking to passengers, grooming, etc., there is a high potential of distraction from the primary task of operating the vehicle, presenting a serious and potentially deadly danger. It is extremely important that drivers understand their responsibility to recognize these interferences and try to avoid them at all costs.
The threat of distracted driving reaches everyone on the road — especially those who drive as part of their job. The highest fatality rate for workplace incidents lies in motor vehicle accidents. Of approximately 4,547 occupational fatalities reported in 2010 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 39 percent are associated with transportation incidents. In 2009, 16 percent of occupational fatalities associated with transportation were due to distracted driving, and this percentage continues to grow. On top of the toll on human life, automobile accidents can significantly impact the bottom line of any company. When determining the cost of car crashes in the United States, two main concepts must be examined: the comprehensive costs and the economic costs.