Reminder of the dangers of distracted driving

Last year in Oklahoma, 8,646 crashes involved distracted driving. Forty resulted in deaths and 202 left persons seriously injured, according to data from Oklahoma Highway

Safety Office. Ask any involved and they will tell you no call, text message or Snapchat is worth these tragedies.

Anything that diverts attention from driving — eating and drinking, adjusting navigation, talking to other passengers, or talking or texting on the phone — can result in tragedy. Despite what some drivers may think, hands-free is not risk-free. Even with your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, you are not safe unless your mind focuses on the drive. Looking away from the road for just two seconds doubles the risk of a crash.

Avoid distractions while driving by setting vehicle systems like GPS, seats and sound systems before hitting the road, as well as finishing dressing and personal grooming at home before you leave. Put aside electronic distractions and never use text messaging, email, video games or internet functions, including those built into the vehicle, while driving. Stow your smartphone away, turn it to airplane mode or activate call/text blocking features.

Plain and simple, focused drivers save lives. AAA urges all drivers to pay attention and focus on the road during this National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and all year long. For more information, visit AAA.com/ dontdrivedistracted.

Leslie Gamble, Oklahoma City

Gamble is manager of public and government affairs for AAA Oklahoma.