Distracted driving can lead to serious collisions. A recent analysis looked into how many accidents involving distracted driving the different cities, towns and villages in Connecticut have seen in the period running from 2015 to 2018. It did this by reviewing traffic data that went up to Sept. 8 of this year.
Top Five Cities
What Connecticut cities did this analysis find had the most distracted driving accidents over the above-mentioned period? Here are the top five:
- No. 1 – New Haven – 1,406 crashes
- No. 2 – Hartford – 1,062 crashes
- No. 3 – Bridgeport – 914 crashes
- No. 4 – Waterbury – 831 crashes
- No. 5 – Meriden – 646 crashes
What about distracted driving crashes involving teen drivers?
Analysis also ranked Connecticut municipalities on how many teen-driver-involved distracted driving crashes they saw over this period. As with distracted driving crashes generally, New Haven was ranked No. 1 and Meriden was ranked No. 5. However, the rest of the top five looked quite different, with Danbury, Farmington and West Hartford taking up the middle spots.
Where did New Britain rank?
New Britain ranked 18th for distracted driving crashes overall, with a total of 381 accidents. However, when it comes to accidents involving distracted teen drivers, New Britain fell significantly lower in the rankings, barely making it into the top 40.
Distracted driving is a serious issue that poses significant dangers across Connecticut and can lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. It’s essential for all drivers to prioritize focus and avoid distractions while behind the wheel. Understanding the common sources of distractions can help drivers make more informed choices.
Common Sources of Distractions:
- Cellphones
- Texting and Calling: Sending texts or making phone calls diverts attention from the road. Research shows that texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times.
- Social Media: Checking notifications or scrolling through social media can lead to dangerous lapses in attention.
- Other Portable Electronic Devices
- Tablets and Laptops: Using these devices for work or entertainment can significantly distract drivers. Many people underestimate how a brief glance can lead to loss of control.
- Food and Drinks
- Eating or Drinking: Consuming food or beverages while driving can lead to spills and the need to multitask, which takes attention away from driving.
- Navigation Systems
- GPS and Map Apps: Inputting destinations or adjusting settings can distract drivers. It’s safer to set your navigation before starting your trip.
- Passengers
- Conversations and Activities: Engaging with passengers, especially children, can be a significant distraction. It’s important to establish ground rules for behavior while driving.
- Car Systems, Such as Radios
- Adjusting Music or Settings: Changing the radio station or adjusting climate controls can take your eyes off the road. Consider setting everything up before you start driving.
Steps Drivers Can Take to Minimize Distractions:
- Use Hands-Free Technology: If you need to make calls, use hands-free devices that allow you to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- Set Your GPS Before Driving: Enter your destination before you start your trip. If you need to make changes, pull over safely first.
- Avoid Eating While Driving: Plan your meals ahead of time or take a break to eat rather than trying to juggle food and driving.
- Limit Passenger Interactions: Set expectations with passengers that you need to focus on driving. If necessary, ask them to help with navigation.
- Adjust Controls Before You Drive: Make any necessary adjustments to your radio, air conditioning, or seat before you start driving to minimize distractions.
- Stay Focused: If you find your mind wandering, take a deep breath and refocus on the road. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, find a safe place to pull over and regroup.
What additional steps would you like to see Connecticut drivers take to minimize distractions and promote safer driving habits on our roads?