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How risky is distracted driving?

Author

Listed:
  • J. Bradley Karl

    (Florida State University)

  • Charles M. Nyce

    (Florida State University)

  • Lawrence Powell

    (University of Alabama)

  • Boyi Zhuang

    (University of Alabama)

Abstract

We use data on fatal crashes to quantify the risk of distracted driving. We repurpose, extend, and improve a methodology used to estimate the riskiness of drinking drivers (Levitt & Porter, 2001). Our analysis suggests that distracted drivers are three times more likely to cause a fatal crash than focused drivers. We also estimate that distracted drivers represent three to four percent of drivers on the road at any given time. Further, we find that distractions associated with cellphone use are less likely to cause a fatal crash than are distractions from other sources. The externality costs between $0.02 and $0.05 per mile driven. The insurance surcharge for a distracted driving citation that could internalize the avoidable insurance losses is approximately $577 per year. Our work extends the literature on distracted driving and traffic fatalities. We believe our results can inform policymakers on the traffic-safety and economic consequences of distracted driving.

Suggested Citation

  • J. Bradley Karl & Charles M. Nyce & Lawrence Powell & Boyi Zhuang, 2023. "How risky is distracted driving?," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 66(3), pages 279-312, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jrisku:v:66:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s11166-023-09405-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11166-023-09405-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Saurabh Bhargava & Vikram S. Pathania, 2013. "Driving under the (Cellular) Influence," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 5(3), pages 92-125, August.
    2. repec:reg:rpubli:58 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Richard A. Dunn & Nathan W. Tefft, 2020. "Replicating the Levitt and Porter estimates of drunk driving," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(6), pages 786-796, September.
    4. Sampaio, Breno, 2010. "On the identification of the effect of prohibiting hand-held cell phone use while driving: Comment," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 44(9), pages 766-770, November.
    5. Joshua T. Cohen & John D. Graham, 2003. "A Revised Economic Analysis of Restrictions on the Use of Cell Phones While Driving," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 23(1), pages 5-17, February.
    6. J. Bradley Karl & Charles Nyce, 2020. "The Effect of Distracted Driving Laws on Automobile Liability Insurance Claims," North American Actuarial Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(4), pages 593-610, October.
    7. Nikolaev, Alexander G. & Robbins, Matthew J. & Jacobson, Sheldon H., 2010. "Evaluating the impact of legislation prohibiting hand-held cell phone use while driving," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 44(3), pages 182-193, March.
    8. W. Kip Viscusi & Clayton Masterman, 2017. "Anchoring biases in international estimates of the value of a statistical life," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 54(2), pages 103-128, April.
    9. Steven D. Levitt & Jack Porter, 2001. "How Dangerous Are Drinking Drivers?," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 109(6), pages 1198-1237, December.
    10. Kolko Jed D, 2009. "The Effects of Mobile Phones and Hands-Free Laws on Traffic Fatalities," The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 9(1), pages 1-28, March.
    11. Peltzman, Sam, 1975. "The Effects of Automobile Safety Regulation," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 83(4), pages 677-725, August.
    12. French, Michael T. & Gumus, Gulcin, 2018. "Watch for motorcycles! The effects of texting and handheld bans on motorcyclist fatalities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 216(C), pages 81-87.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Distracted driving; Automobile safety; Statistics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C10 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - General
    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise

    Statistics

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