FOM 2022-0396
MANCHESTER, NH — Distracted driving can be a deadly choice and is avoidable.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,142 people died in distracted-related crashes in the U.S. in 2020, accounting for 8.1 percent of all roadway fatalities.
As part of its campaign, “Don’t Drive Intoxicated. Don’t Drive Intexticated,” New Hampshire Safety Leaders, AAA, and a victim of a distracted driving crash came together to share a strong message in an effort to make this dangerous driving habit as socially unacceptable as impaired driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,142 people died in distracted-related crashes in the U.S. in 2020, accounting for 8.1 percent of all roadway fatalities. That’s an average of 9 people killed each day in totally preventable crashes. Additionally, another 400,000 people are injured each year in distracted-related crashes.
It is estimated that in 2020, distracted driving accounted for as much as 30% of all crashes throughout New Hampshire. However, the true numbers of deaths and injuries are likely much higher because distracted driving is often underreported and/or difficult to determine as the cause of a crash
The photos of nine people killed in accidents attributed to distracted driving were highlighted at a media event hosted by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. The nine pictures represent the average number of people killed each day by distracted drivers.
As the group shared statistics at the ballfield, they highlighted the perspective that on average, it takes about 5 seconds to read or send a text message. Traveling at 55 mph is like driving the distance, around the bases — blindfolded.
A video showing actual incidents of teens who lost control or crashed because of distracted driving was made available by AAA to show the effects of distracted driving.
Officials at the media event reminded people that distracted driving is not only an issue when