Cellphone use Dramatically Increases Crash Risk, new AAA Study Says
According to a new American Automobile Association (AAA) epidemiological survey, drivers are two to eight times more likely to be involved in a crash when using their cellphones to text and surf online, among other things, than non-device-distracted drivers.
Drivers talking on a cellphone—either handheld or hands-free—while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a crash. Drivers have an "It could never happen to me" attitude, but should be aware it is a significant risk each time they pick up their phone while driving, said AAA Colorado spokesman Skyler McKinley.
In 2017, 642 people died on Colorado's roads, which is the highest figure in more than a decade, with distraction being a likely factor in many of these crashes. In 2016, about 10 percent of fatalities involved a distracted driver.
