Information Effect

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       Distracted driving is defined as, “The practice of driving a motor vehicle while engaged in another activity, typically one that involves the use of a mobile phone or other electronic devices.” (Lexico English Dictionary). In 2017, Utah banned distracted driving, along with 46 other states. Every year there are modifications to this law, as technology becomes more and more advanced. The most recent modification was made effective May 5, 2021. Under Utah Code Section 41-6a-1716, it states that the use of “handheld wireless communication devices” is prohibited while driving, except under certain circumstances. This section continues to state that if found guilty of using a “handheld wireless communication device” while driving, you could face up to a $100 fine and a Class C misdemeanor. Penalties get more severe if harm was caused to another individual.

       According to the CDC Injury Center, 3,000 individuals on average, lose their lives every year due to distracted driving. That’s about 8 people every day. In addition, roughly 400,000 are injured. Young adult and teen drivers are the most susceptible to distracted driving risks. In 2019, the CDC conducted and analyzed information provided by their Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) among high school students. The data explained that about 39% of students had texted and/or emailed while driving within the past month. This was most common among white students, compared to Hispanic or black students. In addition, “students who texted or emailed while driving were also more likely to report other transportation risk behaviors.” (CDC, Distracted Driving).

       Studies conducted by a group of students at the School of Automobile, Chang'an University, Xi'an, China display information about distracted driving statistics between young and mature drivers. The study includes 151 participants aged 18-65 years old, who have at least 2 years of driving experience. Information is gathered from a questionnaire, which is measured through motivational drive, organization, strategic planning, impulse control, and empathy. This information helps them compare the potential decisions the participants would make while on the road. After conducting their research, the study provided information that supported the conclusion that mature drivers had more control over their emotions and actions while on the road, while younger drivers displayed less impulse control, and therefore performed worse than mature drivers on distracted driving tasks.

       Another study was conducted by four students at Morgan State University in Baltimore about the distracted driving patterns on different road classes; freeway, rural, urban, and school zone. They used various factors to help them come to a conclusion, including steering velocity, brake ratio, throttle ratio, lane change, brake light, etc. These were all things they looked at while conducting their study. The conclusion of the study was that distracted drivers drove faster on rural roads, and slower on the freeway. Distracted drivers in this study were offset on all roads to the right, while freeways had the most offset and school zones had the least.

       Now that we know everything about distracted driving, how can we help prevent it? The CDC encourages drivers to stop multitasking. Even something as simple as checking your email, or eating a sandwich can cause an accident. “Do it before or after your trip, not during.” (CDC, Distracted Driving) Divers can also turn their phone on airplane mode during their commute. If you are a passenger in a vehicle with a distracted driver, you can speak up, or even offer to read the email or message for the driver. Anything that will prevent the driver from taking their eyes off the road will help. Due to the fact that drivers aged 15-19 are most likely to drive while distracted, parents can play a role in helping keep roads safe, by enforcing good habits and setting a good example. A child is more likely to text and drive if they see their parents doing it.