Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Stay Safe on the Road: April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Greater Pittsburgh Insurance Consultants is committed to keeping our community safe on the road. The National Safety Council has named April – Distracted Driving Awareness Month. We are joining the campaign to spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving. This awareness is not just about using hands-free phones. Read on to learn more about this critical issue and how you can help prevent it.
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from operating a vehicle, resulting in decreased awareness, decision-making, and performance. It can involve any activity that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving. Common examples of distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, grooming, and using in-vehicle technologies.
The Dangers of Driving without complete focus:
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019 alone, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,142 people in the United States. Furthermore, a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles the crash risk. By educating ourselves about the dangers of distracted driving and taking steps to minimize distractions, we can help make our roads safer for everyone.
Tips for Staying Focused:
Here are some practical tips to help you stay focused and safe while driving:
- Plan ahead: Before you hit the road, adjust your mirrors, seat, and climate controls. Set your GPS, and choose your music or podcast. Doing this before you start driving can minimize the need to adjust while moving.
- Put your phone away: Texting and using your phone while driving significantly increases the crash risk. Keep your phone silent or use a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature. Pull over to a safe location first if you need to call or send a message.
- Limit passengers and pet interactions: Passengers, especially young children, can be a significant source of distraction. Set rules for passengers and avoid engaging in conversations that require you to turn your head away from the road. Also, secure your pets in a pet carrier or harness to minimize distractions.
- Avoid eating and drinking: Consuming food and beverages while driving can be distracting and may lead to spills or accidents. Instead, take a break and enjoy your meal before resuming your drive.
- Keep your focus on the road: Stay vigilant and continuously scan the road for potential hazards. Avoid daydreaming, and keep your thoughts centered on the task of driving.
Spread the Word
This campaign is an important reminder for all drivers to stay focused on the road and minimize distractions. By following these tips and being mindful of our driving habits, we can help reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by distracted driving. Greater Pittsburgh Insurance Consultants encourages you to share this information with your friends and family to promote safer driving practices in our community. Together, we can make a difference and save lives. Stay Safe. If you or your friends and family want more information about staying safe while driving, please contact us.
Disclaimer: This blog post is just for sharing basic info. It’s not meant to be legal or financial advice. Since everyone’s situation is different, it’s always a good idea to talk to your insurance advisor for advice that fits you.