Statistics and Distracted DrivingRachel Wilson

AAA Driver Training, MichiganLead Instructor

Statistics

All statistics in the following slides are from iihs.org

Number of deaths in motor vehicle crashes 1980 – 51,091 1990 – 44,599 2000 – 41,945 2010 – 32,885

Statistics: Motor Vehicle Deaths

Motor vehicle crash deaths among 13-19 year-olds by gender 1980 – 73% of deaths were males 1990 – 69% of deaths were males 2000 – 66% of deaths were males 2010 – 65% of deaths were males

Statistics: Male vs. Female

Passenger vehicle occupant and motorcyclist deaths as a percentage of all motor vehicle crash deaths 1980 – 10% of all motor vehicle crash deaths were

motorcycles 1990 – 7% of all motor vehicle crash deaths were

motorcycles 2000 – 7% of all motor vehicle crash deaths were

motorcycles 2010 – 13% of all motor vehicle crash deaths were

motorcycles

Statistics: Motorcycles

Statistics: Fixed Object Crash

Deaths in fixed object crashes by object struck Tree – 50% Utility Pole – 14% Traffic Barrier – 8% Embankment – 5% Ditch – 3% Culvert – 3% Fence – 2% Wall – 2% Building – 2% Highway wall support – 2% Bridge Pier – 2% Other – 6%

How many people died in 2010 in motor vehicle

crashes?

32,885

Statistics have a place in the driver training classroom and can be a useful learning tool, but they should be used with caution for several reasons: Statistics often “dumb down” the reality of something and

make it seem less real. They are numbers, not people. Students often forget the actual number associated with

statistics, losing its purpose. When several statistics are given, they all blend together

and the impact is lost. Statistics change frequently. Different studies give us

different results and driving behavior and car technology alter crash statistics all the time.

Statistics

An example I like to use in my classroom: Discuss speed and how it affects reaction

time and braking distance. Understand the formula from AAA’s

“Licensed to Learn” that reaction time = 1.5 x rate (unit = feet).

Example is at 20mph, so reaction time = 30’

A better way…

Not Distracted

Not Distracted

How long does it take you to change the radio station or look at your phone to see who is calling?

Ask the students

Distracted

Distracted

Distracted

Makes it real. Students reactions. Leads into further discussions.

How long does it take to text “LOL”? How long does it take to dial a phone number?

Their gained understanding allows us to discuss how dangerous phone usage while driving is.

Example

Statistics can be useful. Don’t rely on statistics to get the message

across. Know when to use them or not. Think of ways to get the point across

differently.

In Summary

Rachel WilsonAAA Driver Training

Lead Instructor

Thank you!