Which group of factors are known to influence traffic safety the most?

Distracted driving and intoxication are significant factors that greatly influence traffic safety because they directly impair a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Distracted driving, which includes activities such as texting or talking on a cell phone while driving, diverts attention from the road and can lead to a higher likelihood of accidents. Similarly, intoxication, whether from alcohol or drugs, severely affects a driver's judgment, reaction times, and overall coordination, significantly increasing the risk of collisions.

While other factors like driver skill, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance are certainly important, they generally act as modifiers of risk rather than as direct causes of accidents in the same way that distractions and intoxication create immediate impairment. For example, poor road conditions can certainly contribute to accidents, but if a driver is sober and focused, they may still navigate those conditions safely. Therefore, the combination of distracted driving and intoxication is particularly critical in understanding and addressing traffic safety issues.