The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Many of us spend a considerable amount of time each day in our vehicles. They are not only used for transporting us to and from work but to transport family and friends. With the warmer months finally arriving and more people using the roads for biking, walking and running it is important to remind ourselves that distracted driving is a significant cause of many accidents. In 2009, approximately 5,500 people died and half a million were injured in motor vehicle accidents involving distracted drivers in the United States. In 2005, distracted driving fatalities involved 10 percent of the accidents. By 2009 that number increased to 16 percent. It is estimated that 20 percent of injury related accidents involved some sort of distracted driving in 2009.

Distracted driving in Wilton is no less a problem than in other communities. Distracted driving is defined as “any activity that engages the operator that has the potential to distract the driver from the primary task of driving and thus increases the risk of crashing.”  There are three types of driving that are generally related to distracted driving: 

• Visual- taking your eyes off the roadway
• Manual- taking your hands off the wheel 
• Cognitive- ignoring what you are doing

Texting is the most dangerous form of distracted driving because it involves all three types of distraction. In 2005, there were seven billion text messages and that number grew to 173 billion in 2010. With the increased usage of 'smart' phones the potential for more distractions while driving has also grown.  

Distracted driving is not just related to private citizens, but it involves anyone, bus drivers, cab drivers and truck drivers, who have all been found guilty of distracted driving. During the day, at any given time, there are more than 800,000 people driving a vehicle with a handheld cell phone in use. There are various reasons why a person becomes distracted while driving. Some are using their cell phones to communicate with family, friends and employers. Others are distracted by elements from within or outside their vehicle.  

Speed and alcohol are also major contributors to accidents. Traffic accidents were the leading cause of death in the United States for those ranging in age three to 34 in 2006. Wilton has not been immune to this category of tragedy. We have had our share of unnecessary losses as a result of alcohol and speed related accidents throughout the years. In 2008, 11,773 people lost their lives in alcohol related accidents. This figure represents 32 percent of the total fatal accidents involving vehicles in the United States. In the same year, 11,674 lives were lost in speed related accidents.  

As we continue to make improvements to the roadways in Wilton, we must avoid the risks associated with distracted driving, speeding, and alcohol/drug usage while operating a vehicle. For years we have worked diligently in Wilton and as a country to increase the usage of seatbelts. Wilton now has a very high percentage rate of those using their seatbelts. We accomplished this through education and enforcement of laws. Parents should also talk with their children about the dangers of distracted driving habits.  

It is always our goal to improve upon the quality of life for Wilton residents. I ask you for your help in this very important safety issue.

Chief Michael Lombardo
May 18, 2011