American researchers have concluded that the main cause of road accidents is not speeding, poor road surface condition, or driving under the influence of alcohol. According to their data, in most cases, accidents are provoked by passenger conversations that distract the driver from driving.
Specialists from the Polytechnic University conducted an experiment involving 3,500 people. The volunteers agreed to install video cameras and special sensors in their cars that tracked the vehicle's position on the road, speed, the driver's physical condition, including blood alcohol level, and also recorded where the person behind the wheel was looking.
The study found that 15% of accidents occurred due to driver conversations with passengers, and about 6% due to mobile phone calls. Meanwhile, drowsiness or alcohol consumption caused only 2% of accidents. However, this is by no means a reason to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.
