As technology’s presence grows in our lives – and in our vehicles – it’s becoming easier to be distracted while we’re driving. There are three main types of distraction while driving: visual, manual and cognitive. Texting is one of the most obvious and dangerous types of distraction because it combines all three.
STATISTICS:
- More than nine people are killed and more than 1,153 people are injured every day in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.
- 20% of teens and 10% of parents admit to having text conversations involving multiple messages while driving.
- The average time your eyes are taken off the road while texting is five seconds, which is enough time to cover the length of a football field when traveling at 55 mph.
- At any given moment approximately 660,000 drivers in the U.S. are using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving.
KEEP YOURSELF AND OTHERS SAFE:
- Prepare: Adjust your mirrors, sound system, climate controls and seat before you drive. Enter GPS information while the vehicle is stopped and plan your route before you shift into drive.
- Call or text before turning the key: Make that call or send that text before you start driving, or pull over to a safe location. Put your phone in silent mode or keep it out of reach to avoid the temptation to look at it.
- Driving is the priority: Refrain from eating, drinking, grooming or any other activity that may distract you while driving. You need to be fully aware of your surroundings on the road, including pedestrians and cyclists.
- Family safety first: Pull over to a safe location if you need to tend to children in the car. Keep pets secure at all times.
- Avoid outside distractions: Don’t let billboards, signs or other distractions take your eyes off the road.
