Drunk driving is very dangerous. We help people who need an ignition interlock device try to move on from the mistake they made. But driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is not the only danger on the road. One big danger is distracting driving. Distracted driving 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 takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.
Being distracted is dangerous
More than 700 injury crashes involve distracted driving on a typical day in the U.S. 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, but they're not the only ones guilty. 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.
But you say you're a good multitasker?
So you think you're good at multitasking? Try talking on the phone and reading at the same time. It doesn't work well, does it? When we put our attention on one thing, it takes it away from something else. The National Safey Council (NSC) explains further through a quiz. They explain that the human brain cannot handle two thinking tasks, such as talking on the phone and driving, at the same time. Your brain toggles quickly between these two tasks. When driving, this can slow reaction time and cause crashes.
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
October is Distracted Driving Awareness Month*, a great time to reflect on our own driving habits and make long-term changes to keep everyone safe. Distracted driving is one of the fastest growing safety issues on the roads today. Distracted drivers aren’t just a threat to themselves: they’re a danger to everyone else on the road.
Do your part to keep the roads safe: Be a sober, focused driver
The NSC reminds you to keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind on your drive. Your life is more valuable than any call or text. Prevention is so important, since it's too late after you make that bad choice. We can't help you stay alert while driving, you'll have to do that on your own. But we can help you avoid another big danger on the road, drunk driving. Call us to find out what to do to keep the roads safer.
*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSC postponed the observance of Distracted Driving Awareness Month from April to October 2020.
