MOUNT VERNON – Distracted driving affects drivers of all ages, not just young people who are usually in the spotlight when it comes to the dangers of distracted driving.
A quick look at traffic statistics from the local post of the Ohio Highway Patrol (OSP) which covers Knox and Morrow counties indicates there were 10 fatal crashes in 2014 with 11 people killed. Of those killed, six or 54 percent were over the age of 50 and four of those fatalities could be attributed to distracted driving.
According to Sgt. Ray McCruter of the OSP Post in Mount Gilead, the causes for these fatal accidents included two failure-to-yield violations, assured clear distance and driving off of the roadway. “Obviously, these drivers were distracted for these accidents to occur,” said McCruter.
The situation is not looking any better for 2015. “So far this year, we’ve had one fatal accident and it involved and older person who drove off the roadway. Again, probably attributed to distracted driving,”
The use of cell phones gets much of the blame for distracted driving, but there are certainly others culprits. “Anything that takes your eyes off the road, even if just for a moment, can contribute to distracted driving and lead to an accident,” said McCruter. “Eating, reaching for something on the floor or back seat, adjusting the radio or other controls, putting your seat belt on after you’ve started driving, observing an event outside the vehicle – all of these actions can cause an accident.”
McCruter also noted that in two of the fatal crashes, the victims were not wearing their seatbelts. “It’s really unusual for this age group not to wear a seat belt.”
Overall, Knox County has an 83 percent rate for seat belt usage, according to JoAnn Kerr, coordinator for the Safe Communities Coalition. “Putting on your seat belt should be the first thing a driver does when they get in their vehicle,” said Kerr.
McCruter recommended that drivers be conscious of reducing distractions while they are driving. “Limit any activity that takes your eyes off of the road,” said McCruter, including using your cell phone usage, adjusting temperature controls reaching for something on the floor or making a music selection.
“Also, when following a vehicle, give yourself enough reaction space in the event the vehicle in front of you has to quickly apply its brakes,” said McCruter. “That is especially true with the slippery weather conditions we have been experiencing lately.
While many people take driving for granted, it is something that requires your full attention, said McCruter. “If you are not feeling well and especially if you are tired, try to avoid driving.”
McCruter will talk about distracted driving and the older driver when the Adult Task Force meets March 17 at Centerburg Pointe.
