Driver distraction has long been known as a leading cause of car accidents in both the United States and the rest of the world. By some estimates, it is believed to be a significant factor in nearly half of all traffic collisions. According to conservative estimates, the percentage of motor vehicle accident deaths caused by distracted driving is 25%.

Wanting to know what exactly is causing people to become distracted, the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was recently studied by an insurance company in Pennsylvania. Using the information within the system, it was able to conclude a likely list of the top 10 causes of driver distraction.

According to the survey, the top causes of driver distraction are:

• Cigarette-related, as in lighting, extinguishing, or puffing a cigarette – 1%
• Objects moving within the cab of the vehicle, like a pet or unsecured item – 1%
• Controls used to adjust a vehicle’s safety systems, like mirror adjustments – 1%
• Controls used to change the radio or climate of the car – 1%
• Food and drinks consumed while driving – 2%
• Reaching for anything item in the vehicle – 2%
• Speaking to other people within the vehicle – 5%
• Observing an event or person outside the vehicle – 7%
• Talking or texting by using a cellphone – 12%
• Nonspecific distractions or daydreaming – 62%

Potentially Contradictory Survey Outcome

The results of this recent survey are noteworthy in that it concluded that only 12% of all distracted driving accidents are caused by cellphone use. Past surveys and studies, including one conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC) have found this number to be much, much higher. Indeed, it is also believed that this reckless behavior is only getting worse with time as more people get smartphones and the younger generation starts to drive.