Distracted while driving crashes increase by nearly 50% in highways, according to a new study
DWD or distracted while driving is featuring increasingly in the spotlight with many organisations instituting policies to deal with this scourge. Based on a recent study in the US, it is reported that distracted driving-related collisions are up to 49% more severe when they occur on a highway system. This could indicate that modifying roadway design could improve safety in distracted driving crashes.
The Ohio State University’s Risk Institute study also finds that distracted driving crashes were more severe in specific road settings.
For example, in work zones, distracted while driving crashes are up to two times more likely to be fatal. In addition, the length of a roadway segment or the number of lanes also has an impact on the frequency of distracted driving collisions.
Conversely, roundabouts have a significant effect on reducing the severity of distracted driving-related crashes. Between 2013 and 2017, there were no fatal crashes within roundabouts.
In addition, there are fewer reports of distracted driving crashes on roadways that feature a median or a shoulder with an asphalt pavement.
The researchers also investigate the impact of urban versus rural roadways as it relates to collisions. Urban areas — Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati — were more vulnerable to vehicle crashes in general than other regions in Ohio. The risk of crashes due to distracted driving was highest in the Columbus area.
Another noteworthy finding is that distracted driving crashes are five to 10 times more likely to be fatal than severe in a rear end or angle crash.
Between 2003 and 2013, Ohio experienced a 35% increase in distracted driving fatalities and a 23% increase in serious injuries. Presently, distracted driving-related crashes account for approximately 18% of overall Ohio crash fatalities and 16% of Ohio serious crash injuries.
While the paper is still unpublished, the research team analysed 1.4 million police records obtained from the Ohio Department of Transportation. These were for crashes that occurred between 2013 and 2017, reports the Wall Street Journal. During that timeframe, the number of distracted-driving-related crashes increased in Ohio, just as it did nationwide.
The analysis found that in-vehicle distractions accounted for 48% of the crashes. Younger drivers, especially those between 20 and 24 years of age, account for the highest percentage of crashes. This is both as a result of distracted driving and other causes.
What was – and in most instances – a remarkable tool that brought ‘good’ into our lives is seemingly, as a result of its abuse, causing an increasing amount of harm.
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