Older Drivers are More Likely to be Distracted by Technology

According to AAA, older drivers are more likely to be distracted while driving when using in-vehicle technology than their counterparts. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the University of Utah released a report this week indicating that, when performing simple tasks like programming navigation, answering a phone call, or running the radio, drivers between 55 and 75 took their eyes off of the road up to 8 seconds longer than those age 21 to 36.

As a practical matter, any distraction while driving can be dangerous. At 55 mph, you will travel 80 feet in one second.  In fact, you can determine feet per second by multiplying the miles-per-hour by 1.47. So, at 75 mph you will travel over 110 feet. Now, add onto that what is called perception-reaction time, the time it takes for your brain to perceive a problem ahead, which is about 3/4^th of a second, and the time for your body to react, which is about another 3/4^th of a second. So, at 55 mph, add another 120 feet before you can react to a hazard.

The net effect of all of this is that if drivers between 55 and 75 took their eyes off of the road 8 seconds longer than younger drivers, then the distances covered can be quite substantial. For instance, the older driver will cover at least two and a half football fields at 55 mph before being able to react to a hazard if they are distracted and the AAA data is correct.

Distracted driving is an increasing hazard on the road for drivers of all ages and abilities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a wreck and you suspect distracted driving as the culprit, we at the McCraw Law Group can help.  Contact us for a free evaluation of your case.