Every month, distracted driving claims the lives of more than 275 people on America’s roadways. Each one of these lives that is lost is a tragedy — made even more heartbreaking by the fact that every single one of these crashes is entirely preventable.
This month, during Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we have an opportunity to change the course of these devastating statistics. The American Trucking Associations’ Law Enforcement Advisory Board is reminding all drivers to stay focused behind the wheel by putting phones down, keeping eyes up, and ensuring they remain vigilant and solely focused on the driving task. Regardless of the month on the calendar, safety should always be a core value.
Distracted driving takes many forms and encompasses a wide range of activities, from eating and drinking to adjusting the vehicle’s entertainment or navigation systems. But one of the most pervasive and dangerous behaviors is cell phone use. Texting, emailing, scrolling social media, and even filming or watching videos while behind the wheel have become alarmingly commonplace.
When traveling 65 miles per hour, a vehicle can cover almost 300 feet in three seconds. In other words, glancing at an incoming message is much like driving the length of a football field blindfolded, resulting in lifelong—and, in some cases, life-ending—consequences. In addition to claiming the lives of over 3,000 Americans annually, hundreds of thousands are injured at the hands of distracted drivers. Approximately 20% of those who are killed in distracted driving crashes were not in a vehicle but rather walking or riding a bike.
Every teen driver with a learner’s permit has likely heard this phrase at least once: “Driving is not a right; it’s a responsibility.” In the same way, keeping our roadways safe is a collective responsibility that begins as soon as we sit in the driver’s seat. Parents should set an example for their children by keeping their hands on the wheel and their attention on the road. Policymakers should strengthen distracted driving laws at the state and federal levels. State Driver's Licensing Agencies and driving schools should place a greater emphasis on education and awareness of distracted driving dangers. Courts should consider stronger sanctions on those who engage in this risky practice. Manufacturers should speed up the adoption of crash avoidance systems that can help to prevent crash-related injuries and fatalities.
For nearly a decade, ATA has championed bans on handheld mobile device use by drivers along with enhanced educational and enforcement campaigns. Across the nation, states have also begun adopting laws that target distracted driving more broadly – beyond just mobile device use – and extending to any behavior that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. In addition, ATA remains committed to working alongside our state federation as well as with the Department of Transportation through the National Roadway Safety Strategy, leveraging resources like America’s Road Team and the Share the Road program to educate motorists about the importance of staying attentive and alert.
This month, ATA and LEAB are renewing their call for every driver to commit to being a part of the solution by staying focused, putting down distractions, and adhering to responsible safety practices. Taking these actions will save lives. As part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, ATA continues to advocate for stronger laws and enforcement of existing laws, educational campaigns, and technological advancements to combat distracted driving. Together, we can create a safer driving environment for everyone.