Distracted driving in the United States and Europe

Have you ever read or sent a text message while driving, and then had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting another car? Have you missed an exit or turn because you were distracted by a phone call? Distracted driving makes crashes more likely.

U.S. vs. Europe

Talking, texting and reading email behind the wheel may be more of a problem in the United States than in Europe. A recent CDC study compared the percentage of distracted drivers in the United States and seven European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. Overall, the study found a higher percentage of U.S. drivers talked on the phone and read or sent emails or texts while driving than drivers in several other European countries.

A problem rising in the U.S.

Each day, more than nine people are killed and 1,060 more are injured in crashes that involve a distracted driver. Consider:

* In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver compared to 3,267 in 2010.

* In 2011, 387,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.

* In 2010, "distraction" was reported as being a factor in nearly one in five crashes [18 percent] in which someone was injured.

* In June 2011, more than 196 billion text messages were sent or received in the United States, up nearly 50 percent from June 2009.

Distracted driving increases your chance of being in a crash. It involves doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving

There are three main types of distraction:

* Visual -- taking your eyes off the road

* Manual -- taking your hands off the wheel

* Cognitive -- taking your mind off driving

Distracted driving activities include using a cellphone, texting and eating. Using in-vehicle technologies [such as navigation systems] also can be sources of distraction. Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distractions.

Take steps to be safe

There are several things you can do to keep yourself and others safe on the road:

Steps for all drivers:

* Model safe behavior behind the wheel -- never text and drive.

* Always stay focused and alert when driving.

* Take the pledge -- commit to distraction-free driving.

* Speak out if the driver in your car is distracted.

* Encourage your friends and family to designate their cars a "no phone" zone when driving.

* Spread the word -- get involved in promoting safe driving in your community.

Steps for parents of teen drivers:

* Know and obey the laws in your state. Many states have Graduated Driver Licensing [GDL] laws that include cellphone and texting bans for young drivers.

* Discuss what it means to be a safe driver with your teen and set ground rules for when they are behind the wheel.

* Make a family pledge and have other members in your family commit to distraction-free driving.

* Set a positive example for your teen by putting your cellphone away every time you drive.

CDC is committed to saving lives and protecting people from injury and violence. For more information about distracted driving, please visit www.cdc.gov/Motorvehiclesafety/Distracted_Driving.