The NHTSA has announced that April 2021 is going to be distracted driving awareness month in the US. The organisation has compared distracted driving to a deadly epidemic happening on the roads. Texting behind the wheel seem to be the most frequent dangerous driving today, but other risky actions that might not be seen as impacting on attention are indeed examples of distracted driving - and as such are robbing drivers of seconds that might be needed to avoid a deadly crash.
According to NHTSA numbers, in 2019 distracted driving killed 3,142 people – a 10% increase from 2018. Young drivers seem more prone to using their phones while driving. Drivers 16 to 24 years old have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers have since 2007.
April, the American Distracted Driving Awareness Month, is seen as a good time to regroup and take responsibility for the choices made on the road. The NHTSA shared these safety tips for a safe ride:
- Need to send a text? Pull over and park your car in a safe location. Only then is it safe to send or read a text.
- Designate your passenger as your “designated texter”. Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
- Do not scroll through apps, including social media, while driving. Cell phone use can be habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Put the cell phone away, in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
Part of the Distracted Driving Awareness Month is the national paid media campaign U Drive, U Text, U Pay:
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
