Statistics and Distracted Driving
Rachel Wilson
AAA Driver Training, Michigan
Lead Instructor
Statistics
All statistics in the following slides are from iihs.org
Statistics: Motor Vehicle Deaths
 Number of deaths in motor vehicle crashes
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1980 – 51,091
1990 – 44,599
2000 – 41,945
2010 – 32,885
Statistics: Male vs. Female
 Motor vehicle crash deaths among 13-19 year-olds by
gender
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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: Motorcycles
 Passenger vehicle occupant and motorcyclist deaths as a
percentage of all motor vehicle crash deaths
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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: Fixed Object Crash
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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
 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.
A better way…
 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’
Not Distracted
Not Distracted
Ask the students
 How long does it take you to change the radio station
or look at your phone to see who is calling?
Distracted
Distracted
Distracted
Example
 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.
In Summary
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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.
Thank you!
Rachel Wilson
AAA Driver Training
Lead Instructor