Let’s Work Together to End Distracted Driving

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Ohio State Highway Patrol has recently issued a press release about their participation. During the month of April, the OSHP, the National Safety Council, and other community partners and law enforcement agencies throughout the state will be raising awareness about the dangers and consequences associated with distracted driving.

Take the Pledge

95% of drivers disapprove of distracted driving, yet 71% of people engage in smartphone activities while driving. Thus, AT&T and safety advocates are calling on drivers to Take the Pledge to never drive distracted. Taking the pledge means promising to care, share and be aware-care for people around us by putting down our phones; share the message that distracted driving is never okay; and be aware that we are never alone on the public roadways. Asking people who you know to take the pledge is a great way to raise awareness and accountability for roadway safety. Parents are encouraged to take the pledge along with their teen drivers because distracted driving is not just a teen problem. In fact, statistics show that adults are more likely than teens to engage in distracted driving.

Be a Part of the Solution

End Distracted Driving www.EndDD.org works all year long to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Nobody plans to cause a distracted driving crash. Yet we take that risk every time we pick up our phone and think, “I”m a safe driver. Nothing bad will happen.” EndDD offers a variety of ways to be a part of the solution:

• Drive distraction free. Habits are hard to change, so we have to plan and commit to driving safer.
• Sign a family safe driving agreement to help you drive safer.
• Friends don’t let friend drive drunk or distracted-be a helpful passenger.
• Speak up as a passenger in a non-confrontational way when your driver drives distracted.
• Share the responsibility for arriving safely by offering to help your driver with things like navigation, texts and emails.
• Model safe, non-distracted driving as a parent every time you get in your car.
• Lead by example as an employer by talking to your employees about safe driving habits and establishing workplace cell phone policies.
• Encourage friend, employees, and co-workers to talk to their families about safe driving.
• Learn the facts about distracted driving.

Distracted Driving Accidents in Ohio

Last year Ohio reported 13,994 traffic crashes that were involved with distracted driving, of those 26 were fatal crashes. No post is worth a life. It can wait. Put the phone down, learn the facts, and take the pledge.