Distracted Drivers Lack Focus Near California Schools

SACRAMENTO Calif., Oct. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- California drivers can make significant gains in focus while behind the wheel, reveals a new study funded by The Allstate Foundation. Students who monitored 80 intersections at schools across California this week recorded more than 8,000 cases of distracted driving in a single hour.

Student researchers from 28 counties participated in this week's Roadwatch—an annual observational and educational study administered by the California Friday Night Live Partnership (CFNLP)—and observed 8,378 cases of distracted driving focus, ranging from talking and texting on cellphones to eating and drinking, and personal grooming. These three driving distractions top the list as most prevalent.

This hourly average of more than 100 instances of distracted driving per intersection is consistent with the average recorded in prior Roadwatch studies. Traffic volume is not factored.

Driven by a desire to improve traffic safety in their neighborhoods and to use the research for future safe-driving campaigns locally, students compiled these startling statistics from among the vehicles they observed with both attentive and distracted drivers. The top distractions while driving are not surprising. Each is avoidable.

"Reducing distractions while driving is something we all can do—it costs nothing and its savings are enormous," urges Phil Telgenhoff, Field Senior Vice President of Allstate Insurance Company in California. "When we drive safely, we improve the safety of everyone on the road. It's a matter of developing good driving habits."

Distractions Defined
More than just cellphone use, distracted driving is categorized by California Highway Patrol as a range of activities that impact a driver's visual, auditory, physical or cognitive abilities when driving.

CFNLP and The Allstate Foundation support the students' Roadwatch research to raise awareness among adult and teen drivers and all California communities about the importance of focused driving.

"Engaging California's young people like this encourages their positive and healthy development and empowers them to become active leaders," says Jim Kooler, Director at CFNLP. "Programs like our annual traffic safety summit and this Roadwatch allow California youths to lead their peers in reducing distracted driving collisions."

Not Just Cellphones
Additional driving distractions recorded by Roadwatch participants include:

In Amador County, students observed drivers unbuckling their seatbelt to reach for items elsewhere in their moving vehicles. In Riverside County, observers noted that this dangerous behavior resulted in drivers swerving from their lanes. In Contra Costa and Orange counties, researchers reported distracted drivers regularly failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks.

"It was interesting to see how drivers tried to hide that they were using their phones," reports a Friday Night Live researcher at Edison High School in Fresno. "One driver was brushing her teeth."

In 2011, the first year of Roadwatch, more than 6,700 instances of distractions were recorded at 62 sites near California schools. In 2012, more than 7,000 distractions were recorded at 67 sites. Last year there were more than 7,000 distractions observed at nearly 70 intersections.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving accounted for more than 3,300 U.S. traffic fatalities and 420,000 injuries in 2012. In 2009, CHP reported 116 traffic fatalities caused by distracted driving in California.

Active in 54 counties statewide, CFNLP engages young people to become active leaders and resources in their communities.

About The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's well-being and prosperity. With a focus on teen safe driving and building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, The Allstate Foundation also promotes safe and vital communities; tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. Over the last 60 years, the Foundation has contributed nearly $300 million to organizations and projects in communities throughout the nation. For more information, visit www.allstatefoundation.org.

SOURCE The Allstate Foundation