Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Every year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Safety Council declare April as “Distracted Driving Awareness Month.” This month is intended to educate drivers and raise awareness for one of the leading causes of auto accidents in the U.S. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives in 2021 – and that number is likely to increase. Driving distracted is just as dangerous as driving under the influence, yet so many of us openly engage in one or more distracted behaviors.
 

Types of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road. It can be classified into four categories: visual, manual, auditory, and cognitive. Here are some of the most common forms of distracted driving: 

• Sending a text message
• Talking on a cell phone or to passengers
• Holding your phone or device
• Browsing internet or social media
• Eating and drinking
• Applying makeup or personal grooming
• Adjusting radio or music
• Using a navigation system
• Reaching in the back or searching for something
• Looking out the window

Tips for Preventing Distracted Driving

There are many ways we can all be better drivers, and that includes following safe driving practices, respecting laws, and encouraging others to do the same. Here are 10 ways you can honor Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Apply these safety tips all year long! 

1. Keep your phone out of sight 

Unless it’s an emergency (and in that case you should pull over), keep your phone stowed away in the glove compartment or out of your line of vision. Set your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode or use one of these safe driving apps to avoid getting distracted by texts, calls, and notifications. 

2. Pull over safely

If you absolutely must use your phone to call someone, pull over in a safe location. Pulling over on a busy road can be dangerous, so make sure you do so safely by pulling over as far from oncoming traffic as you can on the right shoulder, and putting your hazards on. In California, it is illegal to stop on a freeway in a non-emergency, so exit the freeway if you need to make a call. 

3. Follow the S-M-A-R-T method

Teen drivers are at a much higher risk of driving distracted. Out of teens ages 15-20 who were involved in fatal crashes, 7% were reported as distracted – the largest of any age group. If you are a parent of a teen driver, encourage them to follow the “S-M-A-R-T” method:

• (S)tay focused on driving
• (M)ake preparations before you begin
• (A)void all other activities
• (R)ely on passengers
• (T)ext or talk later – leave your phone alone!
  

4. Secure children and pets

Small children or pets can be a huge driver distraction. Before you start driving, safely secure children and pets in the back seat. All children under 8 years of age are required to be secured in an appropriate car seat or booster seat. Additionally, all children under 13 years old should ride in the back seat. While it is not required by law to secure pets, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) recommends keeping animals away from the driver’s seat and secured in a kennel or cage. 

5. Ask passengers for help

If you have passengers in the car, ask them for help navigating, adjusting music or climate controls, and responding to important texts or calls. However, limit your conversations, as they can be very distracting. 

6. Know the state laws

In California, it is illegal to text or use a handheld device while driving or stopped at a red light. However, it is legal to use a hands free device. Young drivers face the strictest laws – all drivers under the age of 18 are banned from using any device while driving – handheld or hands free. If you are caught texting or using a handheld device while driving, you will face a minimum fine of $162 with increased penalties for subsequent offenses. 

7. Plan your route ahead of time

Remember, using a handheld device while driving is illegal in California. Even using your phone to input directions is against the law. Before you head out, set up your GPS to minimize the need for adjustments while driving. You are allowed to use a hands-free voice-operated GPS while driving. Make sure the device is mounted on your dashboard or in your car’s center console. 

8. Don’t multitask 

Multi-tasking is a myth. Many studies have shown that our brains are simply not wired to do more than one thing at a time. So if you think it’s totally safe to talk on your hands free phone while driving, think again. Eating a snack, glancing out the window, or searching for an item takes your mind and eyes off the road, increasing the chance of an accident. 

9. Report a distracted driver

If you see a distracted or reckless driver who is putting others in danger, pull over safely and dial 9-1-1 to reach the California Highway Patrol. Make sure to tell the officer the driver’s dangerous actions, the make, model, color, and license plate number of the car, the driver’s physical characteristics, and the location where you witnessed the incident. You can also report a reckless driver to the DMV as a potentially unsafe driver.

10. Keep your cool

Whether you’re driving to work or heading on a trip, you are likely to encounter all kinds of drivers on the road. Stay calm and focus on driving. You should also avoid driving while upset, angry, or stressed. If you find your mind wandering or you’re feeling drowsy, take a break and get back on the road when you feel more prepared. 

Distracted Driving Incidents: How We Can Help

We hope you find these safety tips useful. If you have been a victim of a distracted driving accident, our personal injury law firm in Orange County can help you file a claim against the negligent driver. We offer a completely free consultation to get started. Call our distracted driving accident lawyer at (800) 719-9779 or send a message online. You can also check out more of our distracted driving resources here and here.