APRIL IS DISTRACTION AWARENESS MONTH!
Distracted driving is not just a problem with youth - it is a problem for everyone. From those who are pedestrians, not watching as they cross the street (because they are texting or have their hearing impeded by ear buds) - to drivers who just 'look down for a moment' and end up in a motor vehicle accident, distracted driver is an avoidable cause of morbidity and mortality.
If it took no attention to drive, then perhaps brushing your hair, changing the radio channel, talking on the phone and picking up a phone to text, might not be a big deal. But considering the several ton missile most cars are and the amount of erratic driving that occurs, safety means unplugging and expecting crazy driving, so that you don't end up in an accident or worse.
The national site distraction.gov has a number of powerful stats and even more powerful videos from across the country that brings home the message about distracted driving. One that I found very interesting was a young woman from NJ whose friend was killed by a distracted driver and who admitted that she needed a reminder to not be distracted (so she put a picture of her dead friend on her dashboard)
How can you prevent distracted driving?
1. Answer and send texts before you start driving (while sitting stationary in the car). Then start your trip.
2. Stow your phone in an inaccessible place (purse, glove compartment.)
3. Turn your ringer off until you have arrived.
4. Consider if you are tired or having difficulty concentrating and pay extra attention while driving. (phone off, tunes off)
5. Since hands free talking on the phone is no less distracting than holding a phone - consider the unthinkable - DON'T ANSWER!
6. Anticipate that other drivers will be distracted. Is that driver weaving over a line while driving? Might be alcohol but more likely is texting!
7. Anticipate pedestrians texting and being unaware to sound (with ear buds) as they cross the street.
8. Anticipate bicyclists are equally distracted.
9. Help friends and family eliminate distractions. For example, have messages that signal friends and family that you have to concentrate on driving ('have to go now, traffic is tough.")
Here's one story - Ashley age 16:
Imagine that you are blindfolded and driving 55 miles per hour.
It will take about 4.6 seconds for you to travel the length of a football field.
4.6 seconds is the average amount of time it takes for people to look down and check their phone for a message.
Distracted driving is not just a problem with youth - it is a problem for everyone. From those who are pedestrians, not watching as they cross the street (because they are texting or have their hearing impeded by ear buds) - to drivers who just 'look down for a moment' and end up in a motor vehicle accident, distracted driver is an avoidable cause of morbidity and mortality.
The national site distraction.gov has a number of powerful stats and even more powerful videos from across the country that brings home the message about distracted driving. One that I found very interesting was a young woman from NJ whose friend was killed by a distracted driver and who admitted that she needed a reminder to not be distracted (so she put a picture of her dead friend on her dashboard)
1. Answer and send texts before you start driving (while sitting stationary in the car). Then start your trip.
2. Stow your phone in an inaccessible place (purse, glove compartment.)
3. Turn your ringer off until you have arrived.
4. Consider if you are tired or having difficulty concentrating and pay extra attention while driving. (phone off, tunes off)
5. Since hands free talking on the phone is no less distracting than holding a phone - consider the unthinkable - DON'T ANSWER!
6. Anticipate that other drivers will be distracted. Is that driver weaving over a line while driving? Might be alcohol but more likely is texting!
7. Anticipate pedestrians texting and being unaware to sound (with ear buds) as they cross the street.
8. Anticipate bicyclists are equally distracted.
9. Help friends and family eliminate distractions. For example, have messages that signal friends and family that you have to concentrate on driving ('have to go now, traffic is tough.")
Here's one story - Ashley age 16:
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