Each time you get into your car, look around and it won’t take long to see a distracted driver. Whether it is texting while driving, reading a book (yes, I have seen it), applying make-up, scrolling through social media, and/or adjusting the radio, these are all examples of distracted driving. Because of this, more accidents are happening, some of which are often fatal. This month, April, is designated as distracted driving awareness month where you can take the pledge to avoid distractions while operating a vehicle and #JustDrive.
Take Responsibility and Drive Safely
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3522 people were killed because of distracted driving in 2021. While this statistic is alarming, you can expect the numbers to rise with each passing year due to distracted driving on our roads, unless something changes. This month you can decide to reevaluate your driving habits and choose to take responsibility for driving safely and responsibly.
While inexperienced drivers between the ages of 16-24 are more likely to drive distracted, people of ALL ages need to follow some essential safety tips to help prevent accidents caused by this.
Ways You Can Reduce Distracted Driving
Taking your eyes off the road for even a second could be the time it may take for you to avoid an accident. Below are some safety tips you can follow for a safe ride:
Put down the phone- Scrolling through social media, texting, and talking on the phone are all distractions when driving. If something is that important that you need to pick up your phone, pull over to a safe spot off the road and handle it there. Otherwise, the text or phone call can wait.
Designate a passenger- If you have a passenger with you, designate that person to handle your phone, read texts, or respond to emails.
Use teenSMART- This is downloadable software you can install on the computer that provides safe driving tools for inexperienced, young drivers. This course provides safe driving videos, activities, and driving simulations that when completed, can reduce the likelihood of accidents by 30 percent.
Remind other drivers- If you are a passenger in a car where the driver is distracted, ask them to stop and pay attention to the road.
#JustDrive
Take this month to reboot your safe driving skills and commit to saving lives by avoiding distractions such as texting while driving. Take the pledge for the U Drive. U Text. U Pay…and remember if you are texting, you aren’t driving. If you have any questions or concerns about distracted driving, contact our offices at Cameron Insurance and we will assist you. Don’t wait! Call today at 845-627-2130.
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