Drivers urged to use extra caution on Super Bowl Sunday after crash risk found to skyrocket post-kickoff

This Sunday, millions of fans will watch Super Bowl LIX from the comfort of their homes.

However, a lot of people will also watch the game while driving, using their phones to check for updates, scores, and reactions, which might make the roads dangerous.

Road safety deteriorated while people enjoyed the game, according to data from Cambridge Mobile Telematics.

During last year’s Super Bowl, distracted driving increased by 5%.in contrast to the preceding and subsequent Sundays.

As drivers checked their phones and ran the risk of crashing, screen interactions increased hour after hour.

According to CMT, screen contact occurs when a driver taps their phone while over nine miles per hour.

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As fans shared highlights, checked scores, and even streamed the game while driving, the number of interactions increased during the previous year’s Super Bowl.

According to CMT’s research, drivers were distracted for an average of 2 minutes and 13 seconds every hour on a normal Sunday.

That held true until kickoff on Super Bowl Sunday.

The amount of time spent using a phone while driving increased to 2 minutes and 37 seconds throughout the game.

Distracted driving rates were average for the remainder of the day, despite increased phone use during the game.

However, those crucial hours of elevated danger demonstrated how one of the year’s largest sporting events transformed roads into a dangerous area.

Around 6:00 p.m., right before the coin toss, phone use while driving began to rise, reaching a peak of 2 minutes and 42 seconds per hour by 7:00 p.m.

Up until 9:00 p.m., it stayed there before progressively dropping.

As the game came to a conclusion at 11:00 p.m., distraction rates dropped back to normal Sunday levels.

According to CMT, there was a certain trend in the data: fans weren’t merely watching from home; many were riveted to their phones while driving, which increased the risk on the road.

Fans are advised to avoid using their phones while driving until they have arrived at their destination because even a brief moment of distraction can be harmful.

What defines ‘distracted driving’?

Every year, distracted driving claims lives across the country, although it is completely preventable.

However, a lot of drivers believe that using a phone while driving is the only form of distracted driving.

Although it is unlawful nationwide to text, call, send emails, browse or post on social media, or make or accept video calls, other phone-related activities can be equally dangerous and distracting.

Additional actions that divert drivers include:

• Adjusting the radio or GPS
• Applying makeup in visor mirrors
• Eating and drinking, as it takes one or both hands from the wheel
• Reaching into the backseat to grab personal items
• Rummaging through a purse, glove box, or center console

Fortunately, it is possible to avoid driving when distracted. Here are some tried-and-true strategies for maintaining focus:

• Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” or “Driving Mode,” as it temporarily pauses notifications, but will push a call or text through if urgent
• If distraction is difficult to avoid, put the phone in a safe place, like a purse, glove box, center console, or back seat
• If a text message or call needs to be sent or made, pull over and park
• Give the phone to a passenger when applicable to send a text or make a call
• Be a role model – practicing safe driving in front of impressionable passengers helps pass along safe behaviors

Source: Connecticut Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE

It’s risky to use a phone while driving, but it’s equally crucial to get home safely after Super Bowl Sunday.

Drunk driving is still a serious concern, particularly after significant events.

The National Highway highway Safety Administration reports that 13,524 highway fatalities in 2022 were caused by drunk drivers.

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It is against the law to drive when intoxicated, and if detected, a person may be arrested and charged with a crime.

Serious repercussions from ADUIcharge include jail time and fines of thousands of dollars.