Driver inattention is a factor in more than 1 million crashes in North America
annually, resulting in serious injuries, deaths, and an economic impact that some experts
say reaches nearly $40 billion per year. Every single time someone takes their eyes or
their focus off the road - even for just a few seconds - they put their lives and the
lives of others in danger. Distracted driving is unsafe, irresponsible and in
a split second, its consequences can be devastating.
use of a cell phone while driving increases your chance of getting into a crash by 400%!
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has launched
"Faces of Distracted Driving", an online
web series exploring the tragic consequences of texting and cell phone use while driving.
The three-minute “Faces” videos feature people from across the country whose lives have
been forever changed because of texting or cell phone use behind the wheel. They speak
in deeply emotional terms about the loved ones torn from them and the pain of moving
forward. If you have any doubts about the seriousness of this epidemic, these videos
will change your mind.
Pull over to a safe place to talk on the phone, text message, or
email. Also learn how your phone’s controls work in case a call is unavoidable.
Practice good habits by turning your phone off before you drive so you won’t be tempted
to answer calls on the road.
Don't touch that dial. Adjust seat positions, climate controls,
sound systems and other devices before you leave or when you stop. Know how your controls
work so if you must adjust something on the go, you’ll be less distracted. Use presets
for radio and climate control, or have your passenger assist you.
Don’t multi-task when driving. Don’t use the vehicle’s mirrors
for personal grooming when the vehicle is in motion or try to read or write while you’re
behind the wheel.
Pull over to care for children. Change the baby, feed the kids, and
buckle them into their vehicle seats before you leave. If you need to attend to them,
pull over in a safe place -- don’t try to handle children while you’re driving.
Stop to eat or drink. Drive-through windows and giant cup holders make
it tempting to have a meal while driving, but you’re safer when you stop to eat or drink.
If you can’t avoid eating while driving, try to avoid messy foods.