Nobody is a good distracted driver
Put the Phone Away or Pay – April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign will run from April 1st to 8th, 2024, and aims to make an impact on what advocates and researchers identify as one of the main contributors to worsening automobile crash statistics in the U.S., distracted driving.
Distracted driving presents itself in various forms, but one of the most prevalent and dangerous behaviors is texting, scrolling or using cell phones (and on-board screens) while driving. As advocates for safer mobility for everyone, we believe it’s crucial to raise awareness, encourage safe driving behavior on the road, and reverse this worrying and dangerous trend. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with distracted driving and promote safer habits behind the wheel.
Here are a few key takeaways from NHTSA’s campaign:
- If you’re behind the wheel, put your mobile phone away. If you anticipate sending or receiving messages, find a safe spot to pull over and don’t get back into traffic until you’re done.
- Your safety and the safety of others on the road must always come first. Do not use any interactive apps during driving requiring your interaction.
- Need extra help resisting the urge to text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature or stow your device out of reach until you reach your destination.
- Lead by example for your family and friends. Talk about why using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous and unacceptable.
- If you notice someone texting while driving, don’t hesitate to speak up. Your intervention could prevent a crash.
- Thank you! These simple actions can be life saving!!
For more information visit: https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/distracted-driving/put-phone-away-or-pay#5001
