Each April, the National Safety Council observes Distracted Driving Awareness Month to draw attention to the dangers of driving while using cellphones—handheld or hands-free.
An estimated 26% of crashes involve cellphone use, making distracted driving an important topic for all drivers. Driving is one of the most dangerous things nearly all people do. It involves moving a heavy object at high speeds around obstacles such as people and other vehicles.
To prevent tragedies due to distracted driving, the U.S. Department of Transportation urges drivers to:
- Turn off electronic devices and put them out of reach before driving.
- Set a good example for young drivers. Talk with your teens about responsible driving, and model responsible behavior.
- Speak up when you’re a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to make the call for the driver so their full attention stays on the road.
- Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are the best defense against unsafe drivers.
- No text, call or notification is worth a life. Many smartphones now offer a driving mode that automatically silences notifications while you’re on the road. Consider enabling these tools as an extra layer of protection.
By committing to distraction-free driving, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re protecting everyone who shares the road with you.