April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and it’s an excellent time to remind ourselves of the dangers of driving while distracted. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,477 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted driving. That’s almost ten deaths per day. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips for staying safe while driving, and we’ll also provide information on how you can help spread awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
Distracted driving can be dangerous and even deadly. The number one way to avoid becoming a statistic is to commit to driving distraction-free. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while behind the wheel:
- Put your phone away: It can wait, seriously! No email, text, or social media post is worth your or anyone else’s property damage, injury, or life.
- Know your vehicle: Before you put the car in drive, familiarize yourself with the controls. When you know your vehicle like the back of your hand, you can complete specific tasks without taking your eyes off the road, such as adjusting the volume or temperature.
- Plan your route before you leave: If you know where you’re going, you won’t need to fumble around with your GPS or written directions in the middle of traffic. Hands-free and voice-command navigation is another alternative if you have to change directions while driving.
- Limit passengers: The more people in the car, the greater the amount of distraction. If you can, avoid driving with large groups. If you must drive with multiple passengers, keep the music and conversation volume to a manageable level.
- Keep your hands on the wheel: This one seems like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember. Distracted driving is when you remove your hands from the wheel or take your eyes off the road. People often take their hands off the wheel to grab items from the backseat, adjust navigation, help children with their seatbelts, or use the driver’s mirror. These activities may seem harmless but can result in a serious accident or crash.
- Don’t drive tired or angry: Driving requires your full attention. If you’re driving while tired, angry, or anxious, your attention is likely being skewed by your emotions. It’s wise to pull over and take a break if you become tired or overwhelmed while driving. It’s not worth putting yourself or others in danger.
You can also help spread awareness about the dangers of distracted driving by talking to your friends and family, sharing this blog post, and participating in Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.
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