Distracted driving continues to be a problem for drivers nationwide.

When it comes to keeping track of what drivers are experiencing as a result of distracted driving, however, it’s still hard for most police departments to give us a clear number of how many distracted driving-related crashes take place yearly. Officers are often unable to link certain accidents to distraction mostly because drivers must admit to having used the phone prior to the crash. Too often, drivers won’t confess to being distracted, making it hard for officers to actually gather important information on the accidents.

According to recent news reports, a semi truck accident that took place in South Dakota is directly linked to distraction.

The rollover crash happened last Saturday. The reports claim the driver who was involved was distracted before he allowed his vehicle to leave the road. The semi ended up rolling onto its side as a result of the driver’s distraction.

Distracted Driving Is Not Only Related To Phone Use

According to the government, many drivers are unaware of the risks associated with distracted driving. But the main issue is that drivers fail to identify just what kind of activities are considered distractions. Official reports made public by the U.S. government claim distractions include texting, using a smartphone to email, talking to passengers, using navigation systems or adjusting the radio, grooming, reading maps, eating, drinking, and watching videos.

The federal government has stated that people killed in distracted-driving accidents has dropped slightly in 2012. In 2011 alone, 3,360 people were killed in distracted driving accidents but in 2012, 3,328 people were killed.

During 2012, 421,000 people experienced personal injuries in distracted driving crashes but in 2011, 387,000 people were injured, These numbers show that while the crashes are not as deadly as they were, more people are being exposed to personal injury as a result of distractions.

The risks often expose drivers of all ages, but distractions appear to be particularly troublesome for drivers who are in their 20s. According to the reports, drivers in their 20s make up 27 percent of motorists in distracted driving-related fatal accidents.

Whether you’re a driver or a parent, making sure you understand the risks and lead by example is important. If you’re teaching your child about the importance of taking responsibility for their actions, teaching him or her about using the car responsibly also involves teaching about the dangers associated with distracted driving.

For more details on the accident, follow this link. If you would like to make sure your teenaged child knows about the risks associated with distracted driving, have him or her take part in defensive driving classes.