The 25 Most Shocking Distracted Driving Statistics for 2016

At this point I think most people realize just how big of a problem and how dangerous distracted driving is.  However, seeing this list of 25 distracted driving statistics all together in one long list really can put it into perspective. Going through and reading these statistics proving the dangers of distracted driving and then realizing that millions of people still drive while distracted is a sad truth.

25 Most Shocking Distracted Driving Statistics

• Over 2.5 million people in the U.S. are involved in road accidents each year. The population of the US is just 318.9 million. At this rate, the American people could be extinct in two human lifespans. This is an astounding number of traffic accidents.
• Of these, 1.6 million have a cell phone involved in them. That’s 64% of all the road accidents in the United States. Over half the road accidents in the States have cell phones involved, and if this doesn’t make you realize just how potent it is, what will?
• 37,000+ people die in automobile crashes in the U.S every year
• Every year, about 421,000 people are injured in crashes that have involved a driver who was distracted in some way.
• Each year, over 330,000 accidents caused by texting while driving lead to severe injuries. This means that over 78% of all distracted drivers are distracted because they have been texting while driving.
• 1 out of 4 car accidents in the US are caused by texting while driving.
• Texting and driving is 6 times more likely to get you in an accident than drunk driving. That’s right, it is actually safer for someone to get wasted and get behind the wheel than to text and do it.
• It takes an average of three seconds after a driver’s mind is taken off the road for any road accident to occur. This is the bare minimum amount of time it takes, and it is surprisingly small. Three seconds is the time it takes to turn your ignition when starting your car.
• Reading a text message while driving successfully distracts a driver for a minimum of five seconds each time. This means that the chances of an accident occurring while reading a text is extremely high indeed.
• The average speed in the US is about 55mph. Taking five seconds to read a text in this time means that the driver travels the length of a football field without looking at the road, or being distracted. There are so many vehicles on the road now that this means there is a huge chance of something terrible happening in this distance.
• When you text while driving, the time that you spend with your eyes off the road increases by about 400%. It is already dangerous enough to be distracted by NATURE while driving. So why make things 4 times as bad by texting?
• The chances of a crash because of any reason is increased by 23 times when you are texting. Even if the crash is another driver’s fault, you will probably have been able to avoid it if you had been looking at the road instead of the phone.
• When you compare this to the 2.8 times more risk that dialing a number on a phone imparts, you know that you are playing with fire.
• Every day, 11 teenagers die because they were texting while driving.
• 94% of teenagers understand the consequences of texting and driving, but 35% of them admitted that they do it anyway.
• Of all the teenagers ever involved in fatal accidents every year, 21% were using a cell phone at the time of the accident.
• Teen drivers have a 400% higher chance of being in a car crash when texting while driving than adults.
• 25% of teens respond to at least one text while driving, every single time.
• 10% of adults and 20% of teenagers have admitted that they have entire conversations over text message platforms while driving.
• 82% of American teenagers own a cell phone, and use it regularly to call and text message.
• 52% of these talk on the phone while driving, and 32% text on the road.
• When polled, 77% of adults and 55% of teenage drivers say that they can easily manage texting while driving.
• When teens text while they drive, they veer off lane 10% of their total drive time.
• A study at the University of Utah found out that the reaction time for a teen using a cell phone is the same as that of a 70 year old who isn’t using one.
• 48% of kids in their younger teenage years have been in a car while the driver was texting. Over 1600 children in the same age group are killed each year because of crashes involving texters.

THE DEADLIEST DAYS OF THE YEAR

There are typically more drivers on the road during holidays, and this is, sadly, reflected in the number of accidents and fatalities: Over the past five years, Independence Day, Labor Day, and New Year's Day have all seen an average of more than 100 traffic deaths annually. Two days in August, the 2 and the 27, round out the top five most dangerous days of the year to drive, averaging 108 annual deaths in the past five years.

THE RISKIEST TIMES TO DRIVE

More drivers on the road means a higher likelihood of accidents. Therefore, the riskiest times to drive are between 5 and 6 p.m., when commuters hit the road to head home from work, though Saturday remains the most dangerous day (followed by Friday and Sunday.) August, a peak month for summer road trips, is the deadliest month, followed by July.

THE MOST DANGEROUS STATES FOR DRIVING

Despite gripes about New York and Washington, D.C. drivers, those on the road in the Northeast actually have some of the lowest hazard rates in the country: New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and D.C. have the lowest traffic death rates in the country. The states with the highest death rate per capita are Wyoming, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, and North Dakota, respectively.

Please remember this Summer, buckle-up and keep your eyes on the road at all times, the life you save just might be your own.

Best Car Hacks Ever!

Each of us have our own little hacks we've learned over the years that help make our lives a bit easier, and you've probably heard your fair share as well. But which tricks of the trade actually work?

Car Leasing Concierge has compiled a list of tips for drivers that not only will work if you find yourself in a bind, but will let you leave all your worries behind, and enjoy the open road!

That's Entertainment - Get Creative!

So you didn't purchase the full entertainment system package with your new vehicle? No problem! Hang your iPad from the sun visor to use as a makeshift TV monitor. Kids will love being able to watch their favorite shows, and you'll drive happy knowing that they're happy!

Rapid Cooling 101

Here's a simple solution to cooling down your car on those extra warm days. When opening your car after it has been left in the parking lot, open one window (for example, the driver's side window). Then get out and walk over to the opposite side of your vehicle (front passenger side.) Open and close the door five times. This will force the hot air out of the vehicle through the open window, and will quickly cool the entire vehicle without waiting for the A/C to kick in.

Don't Get Lost in a Fog!

Many times we get to our car on a humid day, and the windows are completely fogged up. Usually you'll turn on the dashboard heat, hit the defog button, and sit back and wait... and wait... and wait. But there's a much quicker way to do this!

First, turn your heat up to max. This will help eliminate the moisture in the air. Next, turn on your air conditioner. Sure, this sounds counter-intuitive, but it also will make the air inside the car drier. Once you've done both, switch off the air recirculating so you bring only the cold outside air coming into your car as you're running the heat.

Finally, roll down your windows so more cold air comes into your car as you run the heat. As you dry the air that comes directly inside the car, the heater will defog the windshield, making the process much quicker.

Use Your Head (Literally)

Are you one of those drivers who walk away from your car, but can't remember if you locked it? Too tired to walk back? No need to worry. If you're far from your vehicle and want to increase the coverage and strength of your remote key, simply place it under your chin and open your mouth as you press the buttons. As strange as this may sound, it uses your skull as a satellite transmitter, and will amplify the distance of the signal. And no, this is not dangerous and completely safe!

MacGyver Phone Holder

So you want to use your phone's GPS in a new city so you don't get lost, but you don't have a phone mount? Never fear - MacGyver is here! Just as the famed tv character could fashion an escape plan using chewing gum and a paper clip, might we suggest using a rubber band or hair tie?

Simply loop the rubber band through your air vents, so it will be safely secured, and easy for you to read for navigation instructions! Another option is using a binder clip and rubber band to create your own version of a DIY smart phone GPS holder.

Running on Empty

Ever get bombarded on an Interstate exit that lists 6 gas stations? Most of the time you don't even know if you should turn left or right, let alone which will have the best prices! Our suggestion? Download GasBuddy - it will find the cheapest gas along your route (and you will have your trusty rubber band GPS holder already installed above, so you can be sure which way to turn to hit paydirt!

Power Up!

The race to charge your phone shouldn't be "The Hunger Games," or "Last Man Standing." A better solution and way to keep all parties happy is buy a five-port car charger. This way you, your husband, your teen and tween can be sure to get the power they need for lengthy trips.

Nature Calls

When you gotta go, you gotta go. Download the SitOrSquat app, which helps you find clean, safe and reliable public restrooms when you're on the road. Parents will absolutely love its convenience, and use as a life preserver in those cases Johnny just can't wait anymore!

Makeshift Trash Can

One of the great things of being on the road is getting a to-go order. One of the bad results is cars don't have much in the way of garbage cans. A quick fix? Take a cereal Tupperware container, add a trash can liner, and eureka, you've got a perfect car-sized Do-It-Yourself trash bin. A lot better than a plastic bag on the floor leaking all over the place, and your dog just got into when you weren't looking!

Car seats aren't just for kids

Traveling with a furry best friend? Remember, they're just as vulnerable as your children! Consider a safety seat with a rear-facing design. Not only will you rest easy they are riding safe, but the extra cushion will help them get some zzz's in while you're concentrating on the road ahead. Visit In the Company of Dogs to learn more.

Human Laps Make Terrible Tables

Ever try to eat a Big Mac, fries, hold a BBQ dipping sauce packet for chicken nuggets AND soft drink in your lap after going through the drive-thru? Not only are you almost guaranteed to get a stomach ache, but you'll soon discover you're no match for gravity coupled with an accelerating vehicle slamming on the brakes!

Knowing you'll also not be a fan of the cleanup afterwards, why not get a great dinner tray that's portable, secure, and convenient?

Drivers, take note - this doesn't give you the go ahead to ever eat while driving, but it's great to use when parked, and your passengers will thank you as they enjoy their meal on the go without it being all over their clothes!

You Are Here

Kids will never stop asking the dreaded "Are we there yet?" so be prepared for the inevitable question with a laminated travel map. Kids can follow along the route with a Sharpie and cross of landmarks as you go. Let little navigators be their own explorer as they travel along.

Do It Yourself Seatbelt Pillow

Is your seatbelt giving you a stiff neck, or worse - fabric burn? Fashion your own DIY seatbelt pillow for one of the comfiest naps ever. The extra padding and plushness will make even the longest road trips ones to look forward to!

Snacks On The Go

Empty coffee creamer bottles make fantastic spill-proof snack containers. Great to fend off hungry kids who keep asking to stop for fast food. Better for your health and your wallet!

Vinegar

Everyone knows vinegar is a great glass clearner, but did you know it also can be used to remove fabric stains? Troublesome ink and grease can easily be removed immediately by dabbing a small amount on the stain. Gently blot, then lift with a vacuum or damp cloth. And don't worry - the smell of vinegar fades quickly, and the stain will go away just as quickly.

Laundry Detergent

Gently clean leather seats and interiors with laundry detergent. A gentle soap that's meant for dark colors (like Woolite or other color protection soaps) can clean leather without stripping it of its natural oil conditioners. Use a clean cloth and apply a small amount of detergent to the surface in circles as if you were waxing your car. Quickly remove with a damp cloth or sponge. The dirt in the wrinkles and creases of the seats will lift, and the color will be kept safe.

Soda

Everyone knows Coca-Cola can clean a toilet, but did you know a single can of soda can be great for other hacks, too? For one, you can pour soda on battery terminals that have begun corroding. After the carbonation stops bubbling, simply use a wire brush to scrub away the buildup. Keeping your battery strong during the summer when high temperatures weaken it will guarantee you still get a solid engine start in the winter.

Soda can also be used on glass to fizz away tough and sticky debris like tree sap. Protect your paint and vents first before pouring soda on your windscreen. Then use a wet cloth to wipe away any excess. You'll find this especially usefujl when you're parked under pollen-filled trees or birds with a vendetta!

WD-40

WD-40 is a wonder product that can unstick just about anything. Along with warm temps, summer also brings a lot of debris - mud, road tar, bugs - that get stuck to your car. Simply spray WD-40 directly onto the grill, bumper and frame of your car to easily remove tacky debris, bugs and bumper sticker residue.

** Buyer Beware - although you can use WD-40 on paint to remove gunk and smooth scratches, it's not recommended. If you must, make sure to rinse with soap and water immediately afterwards.

Nail Polish

Sure it may not be a perfect Pantone match, but nail polish is a great emergency cover up for paint scratches. Matching your car's color shouldn't be too difficult, since the full color spectrum is reflected in most drugstores! Of course this is not a permanent solution by any means, but it will work in preventing the damage from getting worse until you find a permanent solution. Clear nail polish can also be applied to fabric seat tears or frays. Once dry, the polish will also serve as a barrier to stop tears from getting worse.

Cat Litter Dehumidifier

Cat litter is not only the best way to keep Mittens feeling fresh, but its superior ability to absorb moisture will help eliminate fogged up windows in the morning. We recommend placing some in a sock, paper bag, or breathable container, and place it close to your problem area. When you get in one morning, you'll see the results manifest themselves in more ways than one!

Citrus Cleaning

Behold the cleaning power and refreshing scent of lemony fresh citrus!

Mix a little lemon juice with oil while at home. Oil-based soaps like Murphy's or olive oil can be used. A ratio of 1:10 citrus to oil ratio is a good starting point. Run on a clean dashboard with a microfiber cloth. It will leave a healthy-looking shine and as an added bonus, make your car smell fantastic!

Use Your Sun Visor As a Dash Cam

Hey, move that iPad entertainment system to the side! You've just become an award-winning photographer on your summer vacation. Strap your point-and-shoot, or smartphone, to the sun visor and you'll not only have the best view of your summer road trip, but your photos will come out razor sharp. Who needs to spend hundreds on a GoPro?

Forgot Where You Parked?

Let's be honest. Everyone does it - just not as often as you! If you're the type who tends to forget where you are parked, let your phone be your memory bank! iParkedHere is a great app that allows you to input where your car is in an indoor or outdoor parking lot. It even uses a GPS, image capture, and notes if necessary.

The best Hack of all when you're in the market to Buy or Lease any new car, truck or SUV.

Unlike going to a car dealer - which often leaves you with an uneasy feeling inside - more buyers are trusting the ease and transparency of Car Leasing Concierge's  QUICK and EASY  process that shows you how to buy or lease a new car, truck or SUV  without having to go to a dealership. We'll provide you with all the requirements you'll need to obtain the best pricing and expert advice that's second to none. The end result is a smooth, stress-free experience that saves you valuable time and money.

Get the deal you want, your way today!

Visit www.carleasingconcierge.com for more details.

Most Dangerous Driving Mistakes Moms Make

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All smiles, but there's nothing more dangerous than looking backwards when driving a vehicle!

A recent survey of over 2,000 mothers of children under the age of two has showed a troubling number of women are making some dangerous decisions on the road - while their kids are in the backseat!

Here are some of the most common errors, and what we can do to change our behavior BEFORE accidents occur!

1. It's one thing to "multitask" when you're at work or home, it's another to drive distracted!

Nearly 75% of survey respondents said they're more stressed since they've had children, and most have trouble concentrating on one thing at a time. This same lack of concentration can be a key factor in life or death decision-making and driver reaction time. "It's become part of our culture to not just drive, but to drive and do 20 other things," says Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. Everything from applying makeup, checking texts and email, eating, or listening to music (Wiggles DVDs being played on high volume for our captive audience??) can make a driver preoccupied on what they shouldn't be concentrating on.

Here's an even scarier statistic - almost 8,000 accidents a day are caused by "distracted driving." Emails and makeup can wait for the parking lot!  A mere 5 second distraction could end in a lifetime of regret. If your child gets upset, pull over! Driving while a 2 year old is in full tantrum mode is not only headache-inducing, but extremely unsafe.

2. "But I'm talking on my cell via Bluetooth, not texting. I can do that, right?"

Experts say a resounding NO. 78% of participants revealed they talk on the phone while driving with their children, and a whopping 26% admit to checking text or check email. All are unquestionably reckless. "Research shows you're four times more likely to have an accident when you talk on your cell, even hands-free," says David Strayer, Ph.D., a psychology professor at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and a leading researcher on car accidents and distracted driving. "That's the same risk as driving drunk," he adds. "When you text or email, your odds of having a crash shoot up eightfold, making it twice as risky as drunk driving. It's ironic, because if you ask moms if they'd ever drink and drive with their baby in the car, they'd say to you, 'Absolutely not!' But people don't consider cellphone use to be equally, if not more, dangerous." "Driving is a multitasking activity, before you add the phone," Dr. Durbin says. Research shows that when we are speaking, we miss half the visual stimuli in our vision - (brake lights, stop signs, pedestrians). In order to drive safe, turn off your ringer and notifications, and place your phone in the backseat so you won't be tempted to talk. Out of sight, out of mind!

3. New mothers get less sleep than truck drivers!

Here's a scary thought. New mothers are averaging 5 hours and 20 minutes of sleep a night. That's a full hour and a half less than the 6 hours and 50 minutes truckers average, according to the National Sleep Foundation. With multiple feedings in the middle of the night, and calming our children after a bad dream, it's no wonder moms are exhausted; BUT it's important for them to realize they shouldn't get behind the wheel! "Just one night on such little rest will slow your reaction time behind the wheel," Dr. Strayer says. Though many moms think they can handle their car after that first cup of coffee, a fatigued individual is likely to drift into a brief three- to four-second episode of sleep in traffic without even realizing it. And those seconds can be the difference between life or death!

"I had to pull over once because I was literally falling asleep with my 3-month-old son, Nicholas, in the back," says Larysa DiDio, who lives in Pleasantville, New York. "I kept veering off the road and slapping my face to stay awake. So I found a shady spot in the back of a Kmart parking lot, cracked the windows and locked the doors, and the baby and I napped! I remember thinking, Should I be sleeping here?" In answer? ABSOLUTELY!!  56,000 crashes a year are attributed to those who are sleep-deprived, according to the NHTSA. And as with distracted driving, the risk of having an accident is the same as when driving drunk. A cup or two of coffee or tea can help temporarily with a good shot caffeine, but nothing beats proper rest and a good night's sleep. If you start to feel you are drifting off, pull over to the nearest parking lot or shopping center. Those few minutes of rest and revitalization can be a life saver!

4. New mothers have an accident rate that equals that of teen drivers!

Almost 10% of new moms said they've been in an accident while driving with their baby. This may sound like a low number, but the rate is nearly THREE TIMES that of the general population. "It's on the order of the accident rate of teen drivers--a group we think of as particularly at risk," Dr. Durbin says. A possible cause? Looking backwards. Many mothers admit to turning around to check on their toddlers in the backseat while they are driving.  "I find that alarming," Dr. Strayer says. "Taking your eyes off the road, even for two seconds, increases your risk of an accident. In that time, a car going 55 miles per hour will travel 176 feet, about half the length of a football field, with no one really piloting it."

Too often mothers forget they are driving a several ton vehicle moving at high velocity. Whatever your child is carrying on about in the backseat can wait until you're stopped safely at a red light, or pulled over to the nearest parking lot.

5. Child safety seats aren't being properly installed.

58% of new moms admit they find installing their babies' carseats to be a challenge. Even worse? Most don't ask for help! Six in 10 said they haven't had their baby's child-safety seat checked by a child-passenger safety technician. When used properly, a child-safety seat can reduce fatalities among infants by 71 percent, according to the NHTSA, yet THREE OUT OF FOUR of these seats are not being used correctly. "I've been in this field for 26 years, and I can tell you that parents are making the same mistakes today they were making years ago, even though the products are better," says Lorrie Walker, training manager for Safe Kids Worldwide. "It's amazing to me, because riding in the car is the single greatest health risk your child will face until adulthood."

The website SeatCheck.org can help you find a safety inspection facility in your area that can offer you free installation of your child safety seat. You also should take advantage of your manufacturer's Hotline, and websites, where you can find manuals. "Parents never read the directions--they think, How hard can it be?" Walker says. "But you never want to someday say, 'I wish I had.' " The seat should be secure enough in the car that you can't move it back and forth more than an inch. Be sure to also remember that all seats should be rear-facing until the age of 2. Once your child is buckled in, make sure to tighten the straps until there is no excess strap for you to pinch at the shoulders.

6. Never Leave Your Child Unattended

Eight percent of mothers admit to leaving their babies unattended in the car to run into a store for a quick errand, yet the only acceptable number is ZERO. "Even a few minutes in the car can be dangerous," Carr says. Children's bodies don't regulate temperature as well as adults'. And it's not just in the summer. A child's body temperature can plummet fast on frigid mornings, or quickly rise to unsafe, possibly deadly, levels on even mild days when they are left in a vehicle.

"I've seen it happen time and again," Carr says. "These aren't careless parents. They're solid, loving parents who just forget."

Besides the horror stories we have seen far too often on the news of babies being left in hot cars for just "a few minutes" while their parents rush into a store, many carjackings occur when the motor is running, and/or keys are still in the ignition. Criminals aren't checking the backseat before they take off with your precious cargo, but you should!

Remember, no matter the circumstance, there is never an excuse to leave your child unattended in a vehicle.

Car Leasing Concierge wants all new moms to drive safe and worry-free. We specialize in a stress-free experience when purchasing or leasing your new vehicle. Learn more on our better way to buy or lease a new vehicle at http://www.carleasingconcierge.com.