Distracted Drivers Much Worse than We Think....

[Stuart G]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/distracted-driving-study_us_56ccd2a9e4b041136f18a7aa

The risk of crashing doubles when drivers aren't focused.


You probably know that texting while driving isn't safe. But you may not be aware that distracted driving in its many forms is one of the greatest threats to driver safety, according to public health experts.

New Virginia Tech research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, finds that when drivers engaged in distracting activities -- including crying, reaching for objects and interacting with others in the car -- they more than doubled their risk of crashing.

"These findings are important because we see a younger population of drivers, particularly teens, who are more prone to engaging in distracting activities while driving," Tom Dingus, lead author of the study and director of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, told The Huffington Post in an email. "Our analysis shows that, if we take no steps in the near future to limit the number of distracting activities in a vehicle, those who represent the next generation of drivers will only continue to be at greater risk of a crash."
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If possible, we need to be extra careful when driving. Lots of people aren't paying attention, walkers too.. And I think this is much worse than ever. There are so many drivers that seem to be doing two or three things at once, especially with their cell phones..

[TheUndecider]

1. Google driver cars

Makes the google driven cars seem less scary!

[Victor_c3]

2. Thats kind of what I was thinking

FWIW I believe most modern airliners pretty much fly themselves - including landings and takeoffs often with little pilot input.

[cwydro]

3. We've got some pilots here on DU, so they can chime in.

But I'm pretty sure pilot input is necessary for take-offs and landings.

[B Calm]

4. I think the worst distracted drivers are state cops. I use to look down from my Freightliner

as they sped by doing a 100 mph with no lights on and they would be playing with their laptops.