NSC Report: Cell Phones Involved In Estimated 27 Percent Of All Car Crashes

According to National Safety Council (NSC) estimates, cell phone-related crashes have increased for the third consecutive year and now account for 27 percent of all crashes. The estimate includes crashes involving drivers who are texting or talking on handheld or hands-free cell phones.

The Council estimates texting-related crashes jumped from five percent to six percent while crashes involving drivers talking on cell phones remained at 21 percent.

"The incredible connectivity enabled by technology has resulted in a very dangerous environment behind the wheel," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, President and CEO of the National Safety Council. "While the public understands the risks associated with distracted driving, the data shows the behavior continues - we need better education, laws, and enforcement to make our roads safer for everyone."

The Council calculates its estimate based on a model that uses inputs from federal fatality data, observational data, and research into the crash risks associated with various forms of cell phone use. Texting increases a driver's crash risk at least eight times; drivers talking on either handheld or hands-free cell phones are four times as likely to crash.

The National Safety Council provides a regular column, "Safety First," to NAFA's FLEETSolutions magazine, featuring topics related to safety for all drivers including those in the fleet profession. Learn more about the underreporting of crashes involving cell phone use as nsc.org/underreporting.

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