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Trends in fatalities from distracted driving in the United States, 1999 to 2008

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  • Wilson, F.A.
  • Stimpson, J.P.

Abstract

Objectives. We examined trends in distracted driving fatalities and their relation to cell phone use and texting volume. Methods. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) records data on all road fatalities that occurred on public roads in the United States from 1999 to 2008. We studied trends in distracted driving fatalities, driver and crash characteristics, and trends in cell phone use and texting volume. We used multivariate regression analysis to estimate the relation between state-level distracted driving fatalities and texting volumes. Results. After declining from 1999 to 2005, fatalities from distracted driving increased 28% after 2005, rising from 4572 fatalities to 5870 in 2008. Crashes increasingly involved male drivers driving alone in collisions with roadside obstructions in urban areas. By use of multivariate analyses, we predicted that increasing texting volumes resulted in more than 16000 additional road fatalities from 2001 to 2007. Conclusions. Distracted driving is a growing public safety hazard. Specifically, the dramatic rise in texting volume since 2005 appeared to be contributing to an alarming rise in distracted driving fatalities. Legislation enacting texting bans should be paired with effective enforcement to deter drivers from using cell phones while driving.

Suggested Citation

  • Wilson, F.A. & Stimpson, J.P., 2010. "Trends in fatalities from distracted driving in the United States, 1999 to 2008," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(11), pages 2213-2219.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2009.187179_2
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.187179
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    Cited by:

    1. Yongji Ma & Jinliang Xu & Chao Gao & Minghao Mu & Guangxun E & Chenwei Gu, 2022. "Review of Research on Road Traffic Operation Risk Prevention and Control," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-26, September.
    2. Lim, Siew Hoon & Chi, Junwook, 2013. "Are cell phone laws in the U.S. effective in reducing fatal crashes involving young drivers?," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 158-163.
    3. Hersh, Jonathan & Lang, Bree J. & Lang, Matthew, 2022. "Car accidents, smartphone adoption and 3G coverage," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 278-293.
    4. French, Michael T. & Gumus, Gulcin, 2018. "Watch for motorcycles! The effects of texting and handheld bans on motorcyclist fatalities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 216(C), pages 81-87.
    5. Dal Fiore, Filippo & Mokhtarian, Patricia L. & Salomon, Ilan & Singer, Matan E., 2014. "“Nomads at last”? A set of perspectives on how mobile technology may affect travel," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 97-106.
    6. Zhongyu Han & Hatim O. Sharif, 2020. "Investigation of the Relationship between Rainfall and Fatal Crashes in Texas, 1994–2018," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-19, September.
    7. Haenssgen, Marco J. & Ariana, Proochista, 2017. "The Social Implications of Technology Diffusion: Uncovering the Unintended Consequences of People’s Health-Related Mobile Phone Use in Rural India and China," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 286-304.
    8. Marilyn S. Sommers & Catherine C. McDonald & Jamison D. Fargo, 2015. "Emergency Department–Based Brief Intervention to Reduce Risky Driving," Clinical Nursing Research, , vol. 24(5), pages 449-467, October.
    9. Judy Honoria Rosaire Telemaque & Chizoba “Dr. Zee†Madueke, 2015. "Cell Phoning and Texting While Driving," SAGE Open, , vol. 5(3), pages 21582440155, July.
    10. Rahi Abouk & Scott Adams, 2013. "Texting Bans and Fatal Accidents on Roadways: Do They Work? Or Do Drivers Just React to Announcements of Bans?," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 5(2), pages 179-199, April.

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