Car accidents are an unfortunately regular occurrence in Florida. However, many such as those caused by distracted driving are preventable. Men face a higher risk of death in those types of crashes.
How serious is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is one of the most serious problems facing everyone on the road. In 2020, car accidents caused by distraction claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people. When a person is distracted while driving, the consequences can be deadly. Certain habits can even cause all three types of distractions: cognitive, visual and manual.
Men are more likely to die from distracted driving
Car accidents stemming from distracted driving are more likely to kill men than women. A vast majority of distracted driving crashes, 75%, involve male drivers. However, cellphone use behind the wheel is one of the least common issues leading to these accidents.
A variety of habits behind the wheel can cause distracted driving accidents. Distractions include eating, fiddling with controls, reading, reaching for moving objects and conversations with passengers.
In 2020, 2,125 men were killed in car accidents stemming from distracted driving. This is in vast contrast to the number of women who died in these accidents, 781. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are various reasons behind this. One is that men travel more miles by car each year than women. Another is that they are more likely to take risks while driving.
Younger men between the ages of 15 and 20 are also more likely to be distracted while driving. However, those in the age range of 25 to 34 comprise the group most likely to get into a serious distracted driving accident. This group is also more likely to pick up a cellphone while behind the wheel.