Distracted Driving Essay Sample

Did you know that Each day in the United States, approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver? And 5.25 million car accidents in a year! There are many different types of distracted driving for example,using a cell phone (talking or texting), eating, drinking, talking to passengers, applying makeup and other grooming activities, reading, using a navigation system, watching a video, and changing music selections. These can all lead to accidents, especially texting while you’re driving because your eyes are off of the road. You should be aware of your surroundings while you are driving, and keep your eyes on the road.

You should not be distracted while driving. Not just doing physical things like taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the steering wheel are considered distractions. Taking your mind off driving is also considered distracted driving. When you step into a car and you are going to drive you have to be in the zone of driving. Because it’s not just your life that's at risk it’s also about everyone else who is driving on the with around you. This is why it is very important to stay focused in your mind while you are driving.

“In 2016, 3,450 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver”(Distracted Driving article), and in 2015, 391,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver. Drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes because they are less likely to wear a seatbelt, more likely to ride with a driver who had been drinking and more likely to drink and drive. Due to all the deaths happening, many states are enacting laws such as banning texting while driving, or using graduated driver licensing systems for teen drivers to help raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and to help prevent it from occurring. In March 2019, 16 states and the District of Columbia had banned drivers from hand-held phone use and texting while driving is banned in 47 states and the District of Columbia.

While it is good to stay completely focused while you are driving, It is also important that you are somewhat “ free” . You don’t drive to be a scary experience for you, driving is supposed to be an easy way to get from place to place , and it can also be fun to drive. Even though driving is a fun experience, it doesn't mean you should get carried away and cause an accident.”Distracted driving means engaging in non-driving activities that distract the driver from the primary task of driving”.(Distracted Driving overview article) One of the most dangerous distractions of driving is texting, Because not only are your eyes taken off of the road but so are your hands,  and your mind because you are thinking about that text. This is why many states have restrictions on the use of phones while driving.While driving remember to not only have fun but to stay safe.

Distracted driving has caused numerous accidents and countless deaths over the years. Drivers should always keep their phones off and away so they aren’t tempted to use their phones.' or use a hands-free device to ensure that they are not distracted while driving. Also, ensure that any potential distractions are attended to before starting your car and driving off from where you are parked. Everyone will make their own actions regardless of the rules, but as long as a majority of people abide by the law that can reduce the risks of getting into distracted driving related accidents.  Hopefully we will implement stricter laws to prevent accidents from happening.