April is national distracted driving awareness month. AAA has created an education campaign to bring awareness to distracted driving. Texas AAA recently stated, “they are designed to help audiences understand that the consequences of using a smartphone while driving are the same as drinking and driving. The campaign targets drivers who would never consider drinking alcohol behind the wheel, an yet, regularly engage with mobile devices that dangerously take their eyes, hands, and minds off of the road.”
Facts to consider:
394 people died in car accidents last year due to distracted driving in Texas
95,639 car accidents where caused in 2018 in Texas by distracted driving
In 27 seconds at 25 mph, drivers travel the length of 3 football fields
Talking on the phone and driving – 4X as likely to crash
Texting and driving – 8X as likely to crash
49% of people reported to talking while driving
35% of people reported to sending texts or emails while driving
Distracted Driving Also Includes:
Eating
Changing the Radio
Programming Navigation
Anything that takes your eyes off of the road
Texas AAA Driving Recommendations
Put it away – Put your mobile device out of sight to prevent temptation
Know where you are going – If using a navigation system, program the destination before driving
Pull Over – If you have a call or text while on the road, pull off the road safely and stop first.
Ask passengers for help – If riding with someone, seek their help to navigate, make a call or send a message.
Be a good passenger – Speak out if the driver of your vehicle is distracted.
Don’t be a distracting – Avoid calling or texting others when you know they are driving
Everyone should prevent being intexticated. Just as drivers need to pay attention, so do pedestrians and bicyclists. Never call, text or play games while walking or cycling.
For more information from Texas AAA click HERE!
Proudly Representing Clients in a Broad Range of Legal Matters!
Copyright Mayfield Law Office 2019 – All Rights Reserved