Study finds women more likely to engage in distracted driving than men

Posted in Distracted Driving, Firm News on July 11, 2018

Most people have heard about the dangers of distracted driving. But distracted driving remains a huge problem – one that only seems to be getting worse.

Distracted driving doesn’t discriminate: Men and women, young and old, engage in distracted driving. But a recent study reveals something interesting: Women are more likely than men to engage in distracted driving practices.

The study, conducted by Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland in Australia, involved a total of 447 drivers in Australia. The questionnaire analyzed driving behavior and personality traits of drivers. The findings included:

• 66 percent of female respondents responded positively for distracted driving.
• Experienced drivers – those who have had a driver’s license for a longer period of time – were less likely to drive distracted.
• Drivers are less likely to multitask behind the wheel in demanding traffic conditions and when law enforcement are likely nearby.
• Many drivers need to be further convinced that distracted driving is dangerous before they would change their behavior. Those hard-to-convince drivers are also more likely to engage in distracted driving.

It is important to note that not all distracted driving practices are the same: Talking on a cell phone while driving increases a driver’s risk of getting into an accident 2.2 times. Sending a text message while driving increases a driver’s risk of getting into an accident 6.1 times.

Distracted driving is dangerous, regardless of age or gender. We need to continue the conversation about the dangers of distracted driving and each take responsibility for our behavior behind the wheel. If you have been in an accident involving a distracted driver, contact our Seattle car accident lawyers today.