Distracted Driving

 

 

 

Distracted Driving 

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is the act of driving while engaged in any task that takes your focus off the road – texting, talking on the phone, watching videos, reading, even passengers can be a distraction.

 

Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for approximately 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

 

In Nebraska in 2017, there were 4,699 drivers involved in distracted driving crashes and there were 19 fatalities. Nationwide, distracted driving claimed 3,450 lives in 2016 alone.

 

You have one job, put the phone down and just drive.

 

Signs of distracted driving
  • Nearly striking an object, vehicle or pedestrian
  • Failure to safely maintain lane control
  • Driving into opposing lane, crossing center line
  • Slow response to traffic signals

 

Managing Driver Distraction
  • Park the phone. Turn on notification before you go or stow it away.
  • Pull over it you need to take or make a call. Safety first.
  • Passengers can be of help, ask your passenger to change the radio station, monitor GPS, look for street signs.
  • Before you go, research you destination and plan ahead to get there safely.
  • Secure your pets, unsecured pets can be a distraction.
  • Pull over to a safe place to address situations involving children in the car.
  • Focus on driving, multi-tasking behind the wheel is dangerous – keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

 

Resources