April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. It is important to spread the word about just how dangerous driving while distracted can be. Drivers are considered distracted whenever they take their hands off the wheel, their eyes off the road, or their focus from the task at hand, which is driving. The fastest growing form of distracted driving involves cell phone use, and even drivers who are using a hands-free device are putting themselves and others at risk.
According to data collected by Focusdriven.org, an advocacy group that encourages safe, cell phone-free driving, 9 percent of drivers are talking on cell phones, making them four times as likely to crash. Cell phone ownership has grown from 11 percent in 1995 to 93 percent today, and with this increase in cell phone use has come a substantial increase in distracted driving. Using a cell phone while driving forces the brain to focus on your conversation, resulting in a 37 percent decrease in the capacity your brain will have to gather and process critical driving data. Therefore, having a conversation while driving will make you more prone to driving distracted and much more likely to be involved in an accident.
This month, please take the time to tell your friends and fellow drivers that you choose to not use a cell phone while driving. Encourage your loved ones to do the same. You can help save a life by stopping distracted driving. Help make Nevada roadways safe for all motorists.
Why Distracted Driving Is A Problem
Distracted driving has become a major concern in recent years, with more and more drivers becoming distracted by their smartphones, in-car entertainment systems, and other electronic devices. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was a factor in 2,841 traffic fatalities in 2018 alone. That’s why it’s essential to remind drivers of the risks associated with distracted driving and the importance of staying focused behind the wheel.
The National Safety Council (NSC) has been leading the charge in promoting National Distracted Driving Awareness Month since 2013. Their campaign, called “Just Drive,” emphasizes the need to stay alert, focused, and aware of the road at all times. The campaign encourages drivers to put away their phones, avoid eating or drinking while driving, and refrain from other activities that can take their attention away from the road.
Laws Around Distracted Driving
Many states also participate in the awareness campaign by implementing stricter laws against distracted driving. For example, in some states, it’s illegal to text while driving, and violators can face hefty fines or even lose their license. Some states also have “hands-free” laws, which require drivers to use a hands-free device if they want to talk on the phone while driving.
In addition to government and law enforcement efforts, many organizations also participate in National Distracted Driving Awareness Month by organizing events and spreading awareness through social media campaigns. The NSC, for example, provides educational resources and social media graphics that individuals and organizations can use to promote the campaign.
Another organization, EndDD.org, stands for End Distracted Driving, and they work tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving through educational presentations to high schools and community groups. EndDD.org encourages individuals to take a pledge to not drive distracted and provides resources to help spread the message.
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is an essential reminder that we must all work together to eliminate distracted driving. It’s a time for drivers to take a step back and think about their driving habits and the impact they have on others. It’s also an opportunity for organizations and communities to come together and promote safe driving habits.
By taking simple steps, such as putting away our phones, avoiding eating or drinking while driving, and staying focused on the road, we can all help make our roads safer. It’s essential to remember that when we’re behind the wheel, we have a responsibility not just to ourselves but also to other drivers and pedestrians on the road.
If you or a loved one is hurt in a Las Vegas car accident by a distracted driver, it may be in your best interest to discuss your legal rights and options with an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer. The knowledgeable Las Vegas car accident attorneys at Shook & Stone know how to hold distracted drivers accountable for the damages they cause. If a distracted driver has hurt you or a loved one, please call our offices today at 702-570-0000 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
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