Apr 8, 2025

Distracted Driving Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the dangers of losing focus behind the wheel. Whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio, distractions increase the risk of accidents and fatalities. In 2020, 3,142 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers, making up nearly 9% of all traffic fatalities that year.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, or even eating. Essentially, any task that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or your mind off driving can be considered a distraction. These distractions fall into three categories:

  • Visual: Taking your eyes off the road (e.g., looking at a phone screen or GPS).
  • Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel (e.g., eating or adjusting controls).
  • Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving (e.g., daydreaming or having a conversation that requires too much focus).
Ideas to Prevent Distracted Driving

The good news is that distracted driving is preventable. By making a conscious effort to stay focused, we can reduce the risk of accidents and save lives. Here are some tips to prevent distracted driving:

    • Put Away Your Phone: Texting makes a crash 23 times more likely. If you need to check your phone, pull over safely.

    • Use Hands-Free Devices: If using your phone is unavoidable, use Bluetooth or a hands-free device to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

    • Avoid Eating or Drinking: Eating while driving is a common distraction, and nearly 80% of drivers admit to doing it. Take a break instead.

    • Limit In-Car Distractions: Set your GPS and adjust the radio before driving, and ask passengers to help with tasks.

    • Stay Focused: Mental distractions are just as dangerous. One in four teen crashes involve phone-related distractions.

    • Be a Responsible Passenger: Help the driver stay focused by limiting your own distractions and offering assistance when needed.

The Takeaway

Distracted driving is a serious risk on the road, and the consequences of losing focus behind the wheel can be deadly. An estimated 400,000 people were injured in accidents involving distracted drivers in 2018, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts. During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, let’s take the time to reflect on how we can contribute to safer roads by staying focused, eliminating distractions, and encouraging others to do the same. By making small changes in our driving habits, we can make a big difference in preventing accidents and saving lives. Stay safe, stay alert, and drive responsibly!