April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

During the month of April, The U.S. Department of Transportation, will be reminding everyone about the dangers of distracted driving. The department says, “Distracted driving is one of the fastest growing safety issues on the roads today.”

Distracted drivers are a danger to themselves and everyone else on the road. The national distracted driving effort focuses on ways to change the behavior of drivers through legislation, enforcement, public awareness and education.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 660,000 drivers use an electronic device behind the wheel each day during daytime hours.

According to the NHTSA, in 2021, distracted driving killed 3,522 people.

Research has shown drivers, ages 16 to 24, have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers have.

Remember, distracted driving is not just using electronic devices behind the wheel.  Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes and attention off the road.  This includes eating, drinking, adjusting the radio and even other passengers.

Ways You Can Drive Responsibly:

• Drivers should turn off all electronics and put them out of reach before heading out onto the road.
• If you are a passenger and your driver is texting while driving, speak up and encourage them to pull over.
• Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts can help protect you in accidents caused by distracted drivers on the road.
• Download apps that can be used to eliminate cell phone use on the road. LifeSaver, AT&T DriveMode, TrueMotion Family and Mojo are a few apps that have been positively reviewed by DMV.org.

In order to be successful at getting distracted drivers off the road, we can begin educating young drivers at home.  Set a good example by never texting while driving and teach them the dangers of distracted driving.

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact the personal injury attorneys at Berger and Green.  Our attorneys will provide you with a free no obligation consultation to evaluate your case.  Contact us to speak with an attorney today.