No matter how old you are, you probably remember the feeling of driving for the first time after getting that coveted driver’s license – freedom! Along with freedom comes a huge responsibility. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Let’s take a quick look at why it’s important to be ‘all in’ every time you get behind the wheel. 

Who is a distracted driver? Ask yourself if you can relate to any of the following examples: 

 Eyes off the road (Visual Distraction) 

• Cell phone use – texting, social media use 
• Looking at an object or event outside the vehicle 
• Adjusting radio or GPS/reaching for an object inside the vehicle 
• Eating, drinking, applying makeup 

Mind off the road (Cognitive Distraction) 

• Cell phone use-texting, talking, social media use 
• Distracted by thoughts of daily schedules, family obligations, personal issues 

Hands off the steering wheel (Manual Distraction) 

• Cell phone use-texting, talking, social media use 
• Adjusting radio or GPS/reaching for an object inside the vehicle 
• Eating, drinking, applying makeup 

Seconds matter. It only takes a few seconds to glance at your phone, but if you are driving at 60 mph, your eyes were blind to the road while you drove the length of a football field. At least 8 people a day are killed in distracted driving crashes. According to a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), 80 percent of collisions and 65 percent of near collisions involve some sort of driver distraction. The distraction occurred within 3 seconds before the vehicle crash!  

How can you become a more focused driver? 

• Put it away – Put your mobile device out of sight to prevent temptation. 
• Know where you’re going – If using a navigation system, program your destination before driving. 
• Pull over – If you have to call or text while driving, pull off the road safely and stop first. 
• Ask passengers for help – If riding with someone, seek their help to navigate, make a call or send a message. 
• Be a good passenger – Speak out if the driver of your vehicle is distracted. 
• Don’t be a distraction – Avoid calling or texting others when you know they are driving. 
• Remember it’s a privilege every time you get behind the wheel. 

Sources:

Driver Distractions – California DMV 

DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH -April 2023 – National Today 

 Distracted Driving Awareness Month – National Safety Council (nsc.org)  

 AAA Distracted Driving