April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month.
In a news release today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced the Department of Transportation's first ever national advertising campaign and law enforcement crackdown on texting and driving - aka DISTRACTED DRIVING. You may see or hear television, radio, and digital advertisements with the slogan U Drive. U Text. U Pay. Watch the ad here.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 3,328 people were killed and 421,000 were injured in distraction-related crashes in 2012.
According to NHTSA statistics, 71% of teens and young people say they have composed and/or sent a text message while driving, and 78% of teens and young adults have read a text message while driving. The problem isn't only with teen drivers, however. With smart phone usage on the rise, distractions also include reading and responding to emails, checking social media sites, and using other functions on your device, including scrolling through your contact list and making phone calls.
Some other interesting statistics from the NHTSA:
- 4.6 seconds is the average time a driver's eyes come off the road when sending or reading a text message
- At 55 mph, you would drive the length of an entire football field per text
- Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use
U.S. DOT has provided the following guidelines:
- Turn off electronic devices and put them out of reach before starting to drive.
- Be good role models for young drivers and set a good example. Talk with your teens about responsible driving.
- SPEAK UP when you are a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to make the call or send the text for the driver so his or her full attention stays on the road.
- Alway wear your seatbelt (need you be reminded?). Seat belts are your best defense against other unsafe drivers.
Philadelphia Insurance Companies offers a free online Distracted Driver Training Course to help educate people to be safer behind the wheel. You can access it here.
At ALINK Insurance Services, your protection and safety is our primary concern. Please contact us with any of your insurance questions or needs.
Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148