As well as kicking off decoration season with Halloween, the start of October also marks the beginning of Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This month long campaign is intended to raise public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage motorists to reduce distractions behind the wheels.
Just Some of the Most Startling Distracted Driving Statistics
21% of teen drivers involved in a car accident were distracted by cell phones.
Reaching for something increases the chances of a car crash by 8 times.
In some states, a distracted driving citation can raise insurance rates from $87 to $762.
Adults with children are more likely to be distracted behind the wheel than adults without kids in their car.
In the US, about 9 people are killed every day due to auto crashes involving a distracted driver.
You can play your part this month (and every month) by following these steps to avoid distractions while you drive – keeping both yourself and other safe on the road.
Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
Put away your phone. Be sure to silence your phone and set it in it’s specific place to lower the temptation to search for and check it.
Plan your trip before you leave. Program you GPS prior to hitting the road to get familiar with your journey and feel confident in your route.
Don’t fumble with your playlist. Select a radio station or plug in a predetermined playlist before driving to limit music adjustments behind the wheel.
Secure your passengers. Ensure any child passengers are properly situated in car seats (if needed) with seat belts, and remind those riding with you. Pets should be kept, secured if possible, stationary in the back seat.
Store possession appropriately. Take time to properly secure that heaping bag of groceries or that awkward piece of furniture to keep them from moving around during your journey. Avoid reaching for items that shift as you drive until you are safely parked.
Avoid multitasking. The road should be your sole focus while driving. Never attempt additional tasks – such as eating or personal grooming – behind the wheel.
Set expectations. Ask anyone riding in your vehicle to stay still in their seats and keep distracting conversation to a minimum.
