April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Distracted driving is an issue that affects us all and the latest statistics show motor vehicle fatalities are up. More than 42,000 people were killed on our nation’s roadways last year, and distracted driving is a major contributor. Distracted Driving Awareness Month has been designated for April and is a united effort to recognize and try to eliminate preventable deaths from distracted driving. Every death from distracted driving is 100% preventable. From cell phones to dashboard infotainment systems to evolving voice command features – all pose a threat to our safety. Just one second of your attention is all takes to change a life forever.
There are three main types of distraction: Visual: taking your eyes off the road; Manual: taking your hands off the wheel; and Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving. Distracted driving qualifies as talking on a cell phone, texting, reading (e.g. books, maps, and newspapers), using a GPS, watching videos or movies, eating/drinking, smoking, personal grooming, adjusting the radio/cd and playing extremely loud music.
In 2019, distracted driving killed 3,142 people – a 10% increase from 2018. Young drivers seem more prone to using their phones while driving. According to NHTSA research from 2017, drivers 16 to 24 years old have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers have since 2007. But make no mistake: It isn’t just young people who are driving distracted, since drivers in other age groups don’t lag far behind.
To prevent tragedies due to distracted driving, here are some tips to avoid distracted driving:
• Move electronic devices out of reach before starting to drive. Don’t be tempted with the distraction.
• Be good role models for young drivers and set a good example.
Talk with your teens about responsible driving.
Speak up when you are a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to make the call for the driver, or be the “navigator,” so his or her full attention stays on the driving task.
If you are drowsy, pull off the road. Find a rest area to recharge your self or take a short rest.
Take a few deep breaths and “let it go” before you head out. Emotional stress can affect your attention on the road.
Plan your trip before you go. If you’re using GPS or an app, program it before you put it in drive.
Do your multi-tasking outside the car.
Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are the best defense against unsafe drivers.
All pedestrians and bicyclists should focus on their surroundings and not on their electronic devices.
Currently, forty-eight states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands ban text messaging for all drivers; 25 states and territories prohibit drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving; and 39 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands ban cell phone use by teen or novice drivers.
So be aware – and not distracted – especially during Distractive Driving Awareness Month!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•