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Distracted Driving Consequences

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system – anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

In 2015 alone, 3,477 people were killed, and 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle accidents involving distracted drivers.

During daylight hours, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones while driving. That creates enormous potential for deaths and injuries on U.S. roads. Teens were the largest age group reported as distracted at the time of fatal crashes.

Teens can be the best messengers with their peers, so we encourage them to speak up when they see a friend driving while distracted. Parents should lead by example. Never drive distracted. In addition, have a talk with your young driver about distractions and all of the responsibilities that come with driving.

Play it safe. Stay focused when you are behind the wheel.