A Major Cause of Fatal Traffic Accidents in Tennessee is Distracted Driving: Statistics and Tips

A major cause of fatal traffic accidents in Tennessee is distracted driving, and cellphone usage is the main culprit. Many crashes are preventable, but the numbers show that distracted driving is on the rise.

As Tennessee takes a stricter stance on distracted driving, it's more important than ever to be aware of your own driving habits and take steps to increase your safety on the road.

Understanding the Scope of Distracted Driving, A Major Cause of Fatal Traffic Accidents in Tennessee

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, distracted driving is five times more common in Tennessee compared to the rest of the nation. In fact, distracted driving plays a part in 1 in 15 of the state's fatal crashes, significantly contributing to the more than 200 traffic deaths recorded for the year as of April 2024. 

It doesn't take much for a distracted driver to lose control of their vehicle and cause a crash. Sending a simple text is the equivalent of taking your eyes off the road for five seconds, which can cause you to fail to notice another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a sign.

Driving in an urban environment with a lot of traffic and activity, or traveling at high speeds on a highway makes taking your eyes off the road even more dangerous. Distracted driving is also more likely to put others at risk in a busy environment, especially if pedestrians and cyclists are present.

The good news is that Tennessee is adopting stricter penalties for distracted drivers in 2024 with the Eddie Conrad Act. Distracted drivers will be charged more points on their driving record, and teens under 18 can even lose their licenses. In the past, Tennessee drivers would face a Class C misdemeanor and a fine for cellphone usage at the wheel.

Common Forms of Distracted Driving

A major cause of fatal traffic accidents in Tennessee is cellphone use. It's also the most common form of distracted driving nationwide and includes talking on the phone, texting, sending emails, or using navigation apps.

Other distracted driving behaviors include interacting with in-car entertainment systems, eating messy foods, or being distracted by passengers. In particular, teens have much higher rates of crashes when driving with teen passengers.

Multitasking at the wheel can cause you to take your eyes off the road and miss something important. These manual distractions can affect your reaction time if your hands are off the wheel. Plus, paying attention to something else when you drive can be a cognitive distraction and prevent you from making the right decisions.

Visual, manual, and cognitive distractions make you more likely to commit errors when driving, which is a key contributing factor in traffic crashes.

Strategies to Combat Distracted Driving

Seventy percent of drivers report being more distracted behind the wheel than they were just a few years back. Everyone has a responsibility to make the roads safer, starting with being aware of common habits that cause distracted driving and taking steps to avoid these habits.

Here are a few tips to help you become a safer driver:

• Turn your phone off when driving or enable the do not disturb mode. You can also use apps like On My Way or Safe Drive to mute phone calls and notifications.
• Get into the habit of stopping if you need to use your phone or to enter new coordinates in your navigation system.
• Prepare your route in advance. Set your GPS and music playlists before leaving and get into a mental space that allows you to focus on driving.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when driving in busy urban areas, on your daily commute, or during the holiday season. If possible, avoid driving when roads are busy.
• If you feel tired or stressed, pull over and take a short break from driving. Breathing exercises can help you center and focus on your driving.
• Parents driving with children in the backseat can talk to them about the importance of staying focused on the road. Plan frequent stops and keep them busy with in-car entertainment options during long trips.
• If you have a teen driver, talk to them about distracted driving, and set some rules regarding cellphone usage. You can also limit the number of passengers allowed in the car to help your teen focus on their driving.

Preventing Distracted Driving

The prevalence of distracted driving in Tennessee remains problematic. Everyone can make a difference by being aware of their own driving habits and focusing on the road. The do not disturb mode on your phone can help.

If you were in an accident involving a distracted driver, you may be able to recover damages under Tennessee's at-fault system. An attorney can help you navigate the process of filing an insurance claim or seeking compensation via a personal injury lawsuit.

Accident.com can put you in touch with an experienced attorney in your area for a free initial consultation. Fill out our online form to get started.