Did you know that the average time your eyes are off the road while texting is five seconds? If you are traveling at 55 mph, that is enough time to cover the length of a football field.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month - which aims to prevent tragedies due to distracted driving, as well as mobilize law enforcement nationwide to look out for drives texting or using their phone behind the wheel. This awareness and enforcement campaign comes in response to the the 3,450 people who were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
Tips to prevents tragedies related to distracted driving include:
- Turning off electronic devices and putting them out of reach before starting to drive.
- Talking with teens about responsible driving and setting a good example for young drivers.
- Speaking up if you are a passenger and the driver is using an electronic device when driving.
- Offering to make a call or send a text for the driver, so their full attention stays on the task of driving.
- Always wearing your seat belt, as they are the best defense against unsafe drivers.