SACRAMENTO, Calif.,
Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Distracted driving is a bad habit and indications across
California reveal that many
drivers have room to improve. One week ago today students
monitoring 62 intersections near high schools across California observed more than 6,700 cases of
distracted driving in merely one hour's time, an average of more
than 100 instances of distracted driving.
Distractions during this learning-focused Allstate Roadwatch
ranged from the ordinary—cellphone use as either texting or not
using a hands-free device—to the extraordinary—kissing, writing and
feeding children who were riding in the car.
Driven by a desire to improve traffic safety in their
neighborhoods, and empowered by the California Friday Night Live
Partnership (CFNLP), students compiled startling statistics from
among thousands of vehicles they observed with both attentive and
distracted drivers.
On average, there were 108 instances of distracted driving at
each intersection during the one hour monitored. The top
distractions are no surprise; each is avoidable.
- Eating or Drinking:
|
1,794
|
29 - per site
average
|
|
- Using cellphone without
hands-free device:
|
1,212
|
19 - per site
average
|
|
- Texting or reading
cellphone:
|
1,099
|
17 - per site
average
|
|
- Personal grooming:
|
565
|
9 - per site
average
|
|
|
|
|
Distractions Defined
More than just cellphone use, distracted driving is categorized
by California Highway Patrol (CHP)
as a range of activities that impact a driver's visual, auditory,
physical or cognitive abilities when driving.
"When behind the wheel, any distraction can be serious, even
life-threatening," says CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. "Too many lives are destroyed every
year because of distracted driving."
Allstate and CFNLP produced this Allstate Roadwatch to raise
awareness among adult and teen drivers and all communities about
the importance of eliminating distractions while driving.
"Reducing distractions behind the wheel is something we all can
do—it costs nothing and its savings are enormous," urges
Phil Telgenhoff, Field Vice
President of Allstate in California. "When we choose to drive safer, we
improve the safety of everyone on the road at the same time."
"Engaging California's young people like this encourages their
positive and healthy development and empowers them to become active
leaders," says Jim Kooler,
California Friday Night Live Partnership Director. "Programs like
our annual traffic safety summit and this Allstate Roadwatch allow
California youths to lead their
peers in reducing distracted driving collisions."
Not Just Cellphones
Additional driving distractions observed by Allstate Roadwatch
participants:
- Smoking:
|
455
|
7 - per site
average
|
|
- Extreme volume on
radio:
|
387
|
6 - per site
average
|
|
- Reaching into passenger/back
seat:
|
233
|
3 - per site
average
|
|
- Wearing headphones:
|
194
|
3 - per site
average
|
|
- Reading:
|
85
|
1 - per site
average
|
|
- Other distractions (not
specified)
|
126
|
2 - per site
average
|
|
|
|
|
In Redding, a couple was observed kissing. In Stockton, children passengers were fed by
drivers. In Santa Cruz County a
driver was seen writing.
Here are some market-by-market totals:
- Sacramento/San
Joaquin/
|
|
|
Stanislaus/Sutter
counties:
|
16 sites = 2,055
distractions
|
|
- Santa Cruz/San Mateo
counties:
|
6 sites =
818 distractions
|
|
- Fresno/Tulare
counties
|
8 sites = 1,261
distractions
|
|
- Glenn/Lassen/Shasta
counties
|
8 sites =
606 distractions
|
|
|
|
According to CHP, there were 116 traffic fatalities caused by
distracted driving in California
in 2009. More than 17,000 other people were injured under similar
circumstances.
Active in 54 counties statewide, California Friday Night Live
Partnership engages young people to become active leaders and
resources in their communities.
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SOURCE The Allstate Corporation