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"Driver inattention is the leading factor in most vehicle crashes and near-crashes," according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.  David Strayer, University of Utah Researcher, in the June 2013 study  ranks common distractions in categories from 1 to 5, with 1 being a minimal distraction and 5 being "off the charts".

Researchers said they used a combination of road tests and driving simulators to monitor how volunteers' brake times and adherence to speed limits and proper following distances changed as subjects engaged in a series of side activities.  They also recorded brain waves and eye and head movements to determine how well drivers stayed focused on the road. Following are some of their findings using a baseline ranking of Category 1 for regular driving without distractions.

• Listening to the radio. This activity rates a Category 1, as it involves only 121% of regular driving's "mental workload."

• Listening to books on tape. Books on tape requires 175% of the brainpower of regular driving, meaning it is still a Category 1.

• Hands-free cell phone calls. Hands-free cell calls rank a Category 2 because they require an estimated 227% as much mental work as basic driving does.

• Hand-held cell phone calls. Talking on a cell phone you hold in your hand ranks a Category 2, as it demands roughly 245% the concentration that driving with no distractions does.

• Dictating an email with speech-to-text system. This activity rates a dangerous Category 3 because it involves an estimated 306% as much brainpower as driving a car with no side activities.

Regrettably, distracted driving is a prevalent behavior and a major concern.  The AAA Foundation for Traffic Studies reports, "Americans take driving for granted, yet it is one of the most riskiest activities."

In another distracted driving study (May 2013) by the University of Michigan reported in the Christian Science Monitor, they looked at distracted driving by parents with children ages 1 through 12 in their vehicles.  Here's what they found:

"No matter how one looks at this, distracted driving poses deadly dangers.  When driving, full attention is required to the road both in front and back. Distracted driving must be avoided at all times. Safe drivers are not distracted," said Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Naples Florida Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just 1 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.