A study of 2,700 crashes in the state of Virginia between June and November 2002 investigated causes of accidents (Warner, 2004). Following are some of the main factors that resulted in accidents, with the percentage of accidents for which each was responsible:
• Rubbernecking (viewing accidents that have already occurred), 16%
• Driver fatigue, 12%
• Looking at scenery or landmarks, 10%
• Distractions caused by passengers or children, 9%
• Adjusting a radio or other media player, 7%
• Cell phone use, 5%
On average, distractions occurring inside the vehicle accounted for 62% of the distractions reported. Distractions outside the vehicle accounted for 35%. The other 3% were of undetermined cause. The causes of accidents differed somewhat for rural versus urban areas. Accidents in rural areas were more likely to be due to driver fatigue, insects entering or striking the vehicle, or pet distractions. In urban areas, crashes were more likely to result from rubbernecking, traffic, or cell phone use.