Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the fastest growing safety issues on the roads today. Distracted drivers aren’t just a threat to themselves; they are a danger to everyone else on the road. Cell phone use — specifically, texting, talking, and social media use — has become the most common distraction. Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking.
Drive Responsibly
In 2021, distracted driving killed 3,522 people. Follow these safety tips for a safe ride:
- Need to send a text? Pull over and park your car in a safe location.
- Designate your passenger as your “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
- Do not scroll through apps while driving. Struggling not to text and drive? Put the cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
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One Text Or Call Could Wreck It All
Texting and driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. At any given moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010. Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on America’s roadways.
In 2018, there were 2,841 people killed and an estimated 400,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted driving is an especially problematic trend among younger drivers. In fact, 8% of drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the fatal crashes.
Additional campaign materials are available, such as:
- U Drive. U Text. U Pay. (enforcement)
- Generic/evergreen resources
Use these free materials to raise awareness on the dangers of distracted driving. For more information, facts, and toolkits, please visit www.Distraction.gov
5 Characteristics of a Defensive Driver
Knowledge: Defensive drivers take the time to educate themselves about safe driving techniques. They know how to recognize hazards and avoid collisions. They know the traffic laws in their area.
Alertness: Defensive drivers are alert to traffic conditions that may affect their driving. They pay attention to the traffic situation to the front, side and rear of their vehicles.
Foresight: Defensive drivers know that their worst enemy is the unexpected. They never assume the other driver will do the right thing. They anticipate hazards by scanning the road to assess the traffic situation as far ahead as possible.
Judgment: Good drivers use common sense and knowledge to make decisions wisely and quickly. They maintain control of their behavior, resisting the temptation to make risky maneuvers to get somewhere faster or to outmaneuver other drivers.
Skill: Defensive drivers develop the skills necessary to operate a vehicle properly and safely.