When you head out to see dad for a barbecue, a ball game, or whatever you’re doing to celebrate Father’s Day, you may want to use extra caution while driving. 7.5 percent more caution, to be precise.
According to data from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), the world’s largest telematics provider, Father’s Day sees an increase in distracted driving by a factor of 7.5 percent compared to surrounding Sundays. That makes it the fifth most distracted driving day of the year. In case you’re wondering, the top four are Mother’s Day, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Source: Cambridge Mobile Telematics
7.5 percent might not sound like a lot, but it’s significant enough to yield quite a bit more risk on the road. Based on CMT’s estimates, that contributes to around 1,000 more accidents, 570 more injuries, 5 more fatalities, and $40.3 million in economic damage.
So, how does CMT measure distracted driving? “CMT defines screen interaction as when a driver taps on their phone’s screen while the vehicle is traveling over 9 mph, including tapping, scrolling, and typing,” according to a press release. In other words, you’re engaging in distracted driving if you’re using your phone while driving faster than parking lot speeds.
Why the increase in phone usage while driving on Father’s Day? “People are using their phones while getting their family ready to spend the day with their parents. However, Father’s Day occurs during the summer months [as opposed to Mother’s Day in Spring], a time with higher levels of distracted driving overall.”
Preventing the increased distraction yourself and keeping the road around you safe is pretty easy. Just make sure to text your dad that you’re on your way to the golf course before you actually leave. If you drive a modern GM vehicle, it probably has Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, or, at the very least, Bluetooth. We encourage you to use these tech features, and your dad will be glad you did when you arrive safely.
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Comments
What an asinine story
I don’t know whom may be the folks who can [be Attentive while being Distracted] on these thuroghfares besides myself? If you folks can not be attentive while distracted; Then i, myself desire to put the “Challenge out there to the masses” to copy me: if you can?!!
Saw a guy with a cell phone in each hand texting on both while driving in left lane on route 80. Moved far away from him.
Sounds like someone in the writers pool has an ax to grind… stupid arse story here.
When distracted driving comes up, the article always turns to cell phone usage. How about the large touchscreen Infotainment display that you have to tap, swipe and scroll just to operate your car? Auto makers have created Distracted Driving by eliminating a single switch/knob for a single operation. I understand that it keeps the clutter down on the dashboard, makes your cabin look space age, and it’s cheaper to build, but you can’t beat a single switch/knob for a single operation. Through repetition and “muscle memory” you never have to take your eyes off the road to perform and operation. Older cars, pre 90’s, were much less complicated and distracting.
How do they know you weren’t in the passenger seat while texting above 9mph? Bet this was the lead story on your local 5pm news… Make-up correlation between meaningless vague data. Publish said data in a bogus report. Create fake news about the published data. Incite meaningless outrage with low-informaion voters who watch fluff pieces on their local news. Channel planned-outrage into a supposed call to action to legislate. Cite original data, bogus report, and news as “scientific research” and create legislative bill. Pass ban on accessing your phone when in motion above 5mph. One less freedom… And thats how its done every single day…