Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system. Basically, anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.
Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,142 lives in 2020. Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
People under the age of 20 (teens) are involved in more fatal crashes due to distractions than any other age group. To combat this problem, parents must lead by example — by never driving distracted — as well as have a talk with their young driver about distractions and all the responsibilities that come with driving.
Stay safe stay focused.
Below are some tips to stay focused on the road:
- Driving requires your full attention. Avoid distractions, such as adjusting the radio or other controls, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on the phone.
- Continually search the roadway to be alert to situations requiring quick action.
- Slow down in rain or other inclement weather.
- Stop about every two hours for a break. Get out of the vehicle to stretch, take a walk, and get refreshed.
Finally, always remember to avoid aggressive driving. Stay cool in traffic!