Distracted driving and its dangers
Distracted driving is a significant problem on American roads. Cellphone use – calling, texting, and social media – has become the most prevalent cause of distracted driving. Other common causes of distraction include reaching for an object, eating, drinking, applying makeup, talking to a passenger, or getting distracted by them.
Distraction is risky for the driver and can also be deadly for every nearby motorist, pedestrian, worker, and student.
Here are some sad statistics:
- At least nine people a day are killed in distracted driving accidents.
- In 2021, distracted driving caused 3,522 deaths.
- Around 8% of fatal car accidents are caused by distracted driving.
- Distracted driving peaks between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
- Cellphone use was involved in 12% of vehicular accidents.
As a driver, it’s your job to be aware of the risks of distracted driving and do your best to minimize the likelihood of accidents caused by it. Here are some things to know about Distracted Driver Awareness Month and how you can make sure your driving is safe and distraction-free.
What is Distracted Driver Awareness Month?
Distracted Driver Awareness Month (or, more commonly, Distracted Driving Awareness Month) was established by the National Safety Council (NSC) in 2010 to raise public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. It is observed in April every year.
Any time is a good time for drivers to rethink, regroup, and be more responsible for their choices when they’re on the road. However, Distracted Driver Awareness Month is the ideal time to remind drivers, once again, about the deadly risks of distracted driving and the measures to prevent such risks.
During this month, expect to see messages in traditional media and online warning drivers to put their phones down while in motion. Individuals and organizations nationwide host events, promote awareness campaigns and educate people to help them understand and realize why they should avoid getting distracted while behind the wheel. The month also allows opportunities for lawmakers to pass legislation against distracted driving.
Fleet managers of certain vehicles, such as trucks and school buses, should be aware of the message this yearly campaign wants to convey. Their drivers are particularly vulnerable to distractions due to long hours spent on the road alone or with other people motorists nearby.
It’s been over ten decades since Distracted Driver Awareness Month was established. Yet the issue remains just as much a concern today – or perhaps even more so – mainly due to smartphones and other high-tech mobile devices that only add further distractions.
You can also expect police visibility to increase on the roadways this month as part of the national campaign that reminds motorists of the deadly dangers and serious legal repercussions of distracted driving.
Take action
For you, as a driver:
- When you’re behind the wheel, your only job is to drive – and nothing else—strictly no distractions. Refrain from doing anything that can take your focus off the road.
- Make sure you’re well-rested, have eaten well, and stay well-hydrated before hitting the road. Otherwise, sleeping while driving or driving with an empty stomach can cause you to lose your ability to concentrate on your job, and the likelihood of accidents can be pretty high.
For others, to warn drivers and spread awareness:
- If the driver is texting, calling, doing something else, or distracted, tell them to stop and turn their focus on the road.
- You, your friends, and your loved ones can participate in the campaign by taking the pledge to stay focused on the road and never drive distracted. The NSC provides a pledge you can share among your family, relatives, friends, and colleagues, reminding people of the real and serious risks of taking their eyes off the road. You can also share your pledge on social media and spread the hashtag #JustDrive.
By following these measures, you could save a life. Join us in observing Distracted Driver Awareness Month and help everyone reach their destinations safely. To learn more about school bus safety, read this article.
Are you interested in becoming a school bus driver and helping to make our roads safer? Visit https://schoolbushero.com/jobs to see available positions in Pennsylvania.