Help Prevent Distracted Driving

By Aline Miranda on October 30, 2017

The number of accidents caused by distracted driving is growing due to increased popularity of mobile devices. Texting while driving or checking social media while driving has led to injury and loss of life in many accidents. Recent statistics provided by the Federal Communications Commission is a sobering reality check.

• Over 8 people are killed and 1,161 are injured daily in incidents reported as distraction‑affected crashes in the United States.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2015, there were 3,477 people killed and an estimated additional 391,000 people injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
• At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010.
• In 2015, the National Occupant Protection Use Survey reported that handheld cell phone use continued to be highest among 16‑24 year old drivers.

While these statistics have been on the rise, there are ways you can help to prevent distracted driving.

Teach others- If you are put in the situation where you are instructing a new driver or in a vehicle with a new driver behind the wheel, teach new drivers not to use their wireless devices while driving.

Set a good example- You should never text and drive. If an emergency arises and you need to use your mobile device, pull over to a safe place.

Be active- Remind others of the dangers of distracted drivers and ask them not to use their mobile device while driving.

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/dangers‑texting‑while‑driving