Are You Driving Distracted?
Distracted driving is the act of operating a vehicle while engaging in activities that divert the driver’s attention away from the road. This dangerous behavior significantly increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the road. Common examples of distracted driving include texting, talking on the phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or navigation system, and interacting with passengers or pets while driving. It’s essential for drivers to stay focused on the task of driving and avoid distractions to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, and others sharing the road.
April is national distracted driving awareness month
As we embark on this journey towards safer roads, let’s remember that every small effort counts. Whether it’s resisting the urge to check our phones, keeping our focus solely on the road ahead, or being mindful of our surroundings, each action contributes to the larger goal of promoting road safety. By raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encouraging others to join us in this endeavor, we can create a ripple effect that leads to positive change. Let’s prioritize safety behind the wheel and strive to make our roads safer not just for ourselves, but for every traveler who shares the road with us. Together, let’s pave the way for a future where distracted driving is a thing of the past. #justdrive #saferoads
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. How will you help join us in creating safer roads? Are you driving distracted?
When you think about “distracted driving,” what comes to mind? Right now, a top concern with distracted driving focuses on texting and driving. It is the most “alarming” distraction. But distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association “is any activity that diverts attention from driving including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system—anything that take your attention away from the task of safe driving” (https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving).
Some quick facts:
- Approximately 20,000 people were killed in distracted driving accidents between 2012-2017
- 3,166 of those were in 2017 alone
- There was a 9% decrease in fatalities between 2016-2017(but, this is not enough)
- Texting and driving is most popular in teenaged distracted driving related incidents
- In 2017, 8% of people killed in teenage driving crashes died when the teen drivers were distracted when the accidents occurred
- Statistically speaking since 2012, female drivers with a cell phone are more likely to be involved in fatal distracted driving crashes compared to male drivers
It seems pretty simple to just say, “put down the phone” or “put down the food;” however, we live in our day to day lives taking for granted our safety. The truth is, it just takes one quick glance off the road to change your life.
Picking up our phone is a habit, so if you really struggle to keep the phone down while driving, have it in a place you cannot reach at all in the car. Utilize bluetooth and technology options that provide voice command options. Try to make that extra time to sit and enjoy your food/drinks so that you aren’t having to eat on the road. Food is more enjoyable when you have the time to actually taste it anyways, right?
How many times do you look over while driving or at a stop light to see someone doing something completely opposite of what safe driving looks like? Even waiting on a light to turn green and taking your attention from safe driving distracts your mind after you have safely headed the light. If your mind isn’t solely focused on a safe driving, then it falls under distracted driving. It feels a little drastic putting it in that perspective, but it’s true. How many times have you heard from someone, or even said yourself, “I just wasn’t thinking”?
Distracted driving awareness is not the only road hazard. Read up on some common car collisions and how to avoid them.
