April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

In recent years studies have repeatedly revealed that distracted driving is incredibly dangerous and that the public consistently underestimates how dangerous distracted driving actually is. Therefore, the National Safety Council (NSC) observes April as Distracted Driver Awareness Month in order to help spread awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and to encourage Americans to put safety first and to “Just Drive”.

During Distracted Driving Awareness Month the NSC encourages everyone to educate themselves about distracted driving by downloading the free materials available here, sharing the message that distracted driving is not acceptable, and donating to the NSC so that they have the resources necessary to continue spreading this important message. Additionally, in honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month drivers across the country are taking the National Safety Council’s pledge to be an attentive driver. This year’s pledge reads:

I pledge to Take Back My Drive for my own safety and for others with whom I share the roads. I choose to not drive distracted in any way – I will not:

• Have a phone conversation – handheld, hands-free, or via Bluetooth,
• Text or send Snapchats,
• Use voice-to-text features in my vehicle’s dashboard system,
• Update Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo, Vine, or other social media,
• Check or send emails,
• Take selfies or film videos,
• Input destinations into GPS (while the vehicle is in motion), or
• Call or message someone else when I know they are driving.

Distracted Driving Statistics

• Thousands die every year from distracted driving. The National Safety Council.

• Last year, approximately 500,000 people were injured due to distracted driving and more than 3,000 people were killed. gov

• Distracted driving is a close runner-up to drunk driving when it comes to causing car crashes. gov. 

• Drivers who take their eyes off the road for more than two seconds double their risk of being in a crash. The American Automobile Association.

• Drivers who text on average take their eyes off the road for five seconds. If they are traveling at a rate of 55 mph then that’s the equivalent of driving the length of a football field blindfolded. Stony Brook University.

• Talking on a hands free cellular device actually increases a driver’s risk of getting into an accident by the same amount that driving at the legal alcohol limit would. University of California, San Diego.

• Using voice-to-text communication while driving is generally even more distracting than texting by hand. The National Safety Council.

How Can I Help Reduce Distracted Driving?

 Everyone, whether you drive or not, can help reduce distracted driving. For those who drive, consider:

• Removing tempting distractions (for example, turn your cell phone off while driving, put it in the trunk, or download an app that disables texting and phone calls while you’re driving),
• Pulling over if you’re having an argument or an emotional conversation (applicable whether you are talking to a passenger who is in your car or to someone on the phone), and
• Limiting the need for multitasking by setting up your GPS and picking your radio station while still parked.

Additionally, employers can help by encouraging their employees not to take business calls while driving and by implementing The National Traffic Safety Administration’s guidelines for employers to help reduce instances of distracted driving. Furthermore, parents can make a big difference by informing their teenage drivers about the dangers associated with distracted driving and by informing them that, according to the Huffington Post, the majority of drivers who are between 16 and 18 years old actually do not text while driving.

Injured by a Distracted Driver?

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses incurred as a result of the injuries. If you were injured in either Texas or New Mexico and are interested in discussing your legal options with an experienced personal injury attorney schedule a free no obligation initial consultation with the Lovett Law Firm today by filling out our online contact form.