How to prevent distracted driving

Distracted Driving Awareness Month Tips from ATA’s Share the Road Program

Stay Focused –Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.  One small distraction can cause an accident.

Put Electronic Devices Away – Put your cell phone away, as well as all electronics, while behind the wheel.  Nothing is more important than focusing on the road ahead and getting to your destination safely.

Plan, Know Your Route– Plan your route ahead of time so you aren’t distracted looking at a map or navigation system.  Pay attention to highway signs and traffic.

Be Aware of Blind spots– Trucks have large blind spots in front, back and either side. Try to avoid lingering in this space and do not cut in front of a truck.

Be a Good Passenger - Speak up if the driver in your car is doing something that distracts from full-focus on driving and the road ahead.

Did you know?

• Writing or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 MPH, that’s like driving the length of a football field – blindfolded.
• If you text while you’re behind the wheel, you’re 20 times more likely to be involved in a crash than a non-distracted driver.
• Talking on a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity devoted to driving by 37%.
• 45 states and the District of Columbia ban text messaging for all drivers.
• 14 states and the District of Columbia prohibit hand-held cell phone use by all drivers.
• Young people are especially at risk: In 2011, 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.