Did you know that taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed? This is a typical amount of time used to read or send a text. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives in 2021. The majority of this aggregate number reflects those inside the vehicle but also encompasses pedestrians and cyclists. Distracted driving is anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the task of driving. Cell phone use and texting are often labeled as the dominating culprit, but it also includes things like eating, talking to passengers, adjusting music, climate controls, and other vehicle controls. Since April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, this is the time to take responsibility for safe driving choices and pledge to incorporate the following safety tips for safer roads.
Tips for Reducing Distracted Driving
- NEVER text or scroll social media on your phone while driving
- Turn off or silence your phone, stow it away, and use built-in settings like “do not disturb”
- Know where you are going and program your GPS before starting a drive
- Adjust mirrors, seats, and climate controls before starting to drive
- Use passengers to send texts, adjust the music or climate controls, or update your GPS
- Manage your time to avoid being in a rush
- Stay focused on driving and look ahead for road hazards and erratic drivers
- Secure children, pets, and loose items
- Pull over if you must do something that requires your attention
- Avoid grooming, eating, smoking, and drowsy driving
- Maintain a calm environment inside the vehicle; avoid intense and emotional conversations
- 100% seatbelt use will reduce the likelihood of any in-vehicle occupant distractions
- Driving at a safe speed allows you to be aware of other drivers and react safely if necessary
Remember, your safety and the safety of others on the road should always be your top priority. Avoiding distractions while driving can help prevent accidents and save lives.
