Distracted Driving

Distracted driving may seem like a minor problem to most people; however the most recent statistics gathered state that during 2013, 3,154 people were killed in accidents involving a distracted driver, and 424,000 people were injured in incidents involving a distracted driver. Without proper education and prevention, it is possible that these numbers will continue to rise from year to year.

Distracted driving is defined as “any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving.” This distraction could be the result of any number of things. A typical list might include: eating and drink, talking to passengers, navigating, or personal grooming. Every single one of these factors is avoidable. Refrain from eating or drinking in the car. It may save you a few minutes, but it is not worth your life or the life of someone else. Conversations with passengers are okay, but avoid eye contact. It may seem rude, but for once being rude is encouraged! Plan navigation out beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the roads you are going to be driving and map out your route. Everyone wants to look pretty, but please apply your lipstick or button your cuffs at home, in the elevator, or once you park. Anywhere but in a moving car!

Missing from the previous list, but by far the largest cause of distracted driving, is the cellphone. Cellphones provide more distractions than everything else combined: Texts, phone calls, music, Instagram, Snapchat. All of these things are begging for our attention throughout the day. The world moves fast, and people feel like if they are not constantly in touch with their cellphones they will miss something. If you are hurt or killed in a car accident you will miss everything! It isn’t worth the risk. Take a few minutes to respond to texts and emailsbefore or after a drive. Be smart and be careful. Don’t drive distracted.