For many people in Pennsylvania, the time they spend in the car driving to and from work can take a big chunk out of their daily lives. Some people choose to pass the time by listening to the radio or even perhaps enjoying an audio book. Other people use the time to essentially extend their workday by taking and making calls while driving. Even with hands-free options, the use of mobile phones can be dangerous for drivers and others on the road around them.
It seems that the desire to compete at work might be forcing more people to not only talk while driving but also to check and even respond to incoming messages. According to USA Today, this compulsion is seen most evidently among drivers between the ages of 18 and 34. Of these drivers, more than two out of every three people said they found it hard to avoid checking and replying to messages when they were driving. The rate of this urge is much lower for drivers in other age groups with only one out of every four people saying they felt pushed to check or respond to messages when behind the wheel.
Distracted driving statistics indicate that as many as 3,500 people are killed on U.S. roads, highways and freeways every year due to distractions by at least one involved driver. That averages out to nine daily deaths. The financial impact of this is said to amount to $40 billion annually.
Employers might be able to help by letting employees know that their safety is a priority and that waiting to respond to a message or a call is always encouraged while driving.