Distracted Driving Awareness 

Thousands of people are killed, and hundreds of thousands more are seriously injured in distracted driving crashes each year.  Distracted driving can have deadly consequences. Cell phone use — texting, talking, and social media — has become the most common distraction. Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating, and drinking. By driving distracted, you’re robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash.

Driver distractions account for nearly 5,500 deaths, that’s 16% of the total annual traffic-related fatalities and 500,000 injuries.

Distracted driving is grouped into three main categories:

• Visual – taking your eyes off the road.
• Manual – taking your hands off the steering wheel.
• Cognitive – taking your mind off driving.

What can you do?

• Fully focus on driving. Do not let anything divert your attention. Actively scan the road, use your mirrors, and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Store loose gear, possessions, and other distractions that could roll around in the car so you do not feel tempted to reach for them on the floor or the seat.
• Make adjustments before you get underway. This includes adjusting your seat, mirrors, and climate controls before hitting the road. Also, decide on your route and check traffic conditions ahead of time.
• Finish getting ready at home – instead of once you get on the road.
• Put aside your cell phone. Never text, read emails, or scroll the internet or social media while driving.
• If you have passengers, let them be your co-pilot so you can focus safely on driving.
• If another activity demands your attention, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place instead of trying to attempt it while driving. To avoid temptation, turn your phone off or store it somewhere you cannot reach before heading out.
• Generally, it’s a distraction if you cannot devote your full attention to driving because of some other activity. Take care of it before or after your trip, not while behind the wheel.